Effect of perhexiline maleate on lipid metabolism in the rat.

The effect of long-term (7-11 weeks) administration of perhexiline maleate (Pexid) on liver, lung, plasma and bile lipids was studied in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Maximum non-toxic doses of the drug (80 mg/kg/day) produced a fall of total cholesterol concentration in liver, lung and plasma, a fall of total lung phospholipid concentration, and an elevation of bile flow and biliary bile acid excretion. Minimum lethal doses (160 mg/kg/day) produced an increased liver concentration of total phospholipids and gangliosides and decreased lung concentration of gangliosides. Plasma transaminase activity was not significantly affected in either of the treated groups.