Hypolipemic activity of benzoyl ester of polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer (BEP) in rabbits.

BEP mixed with food was administered to rabbits fed an atherogenic diet at concentrations of 0.5% and 1.5% (w/w) and the results were compared with control animals. After 8 weeks plasma cholesterol in the animals receiving 0.5% BEP was almost 4 times lower and in the rabbits taking 1.5% BEP 8 times lower than in the controls. Plasma triglycerides were practically unaffected by BEP. Hepatic total lipid and cholesterol were significantly decreased in the treated animals but there was little difference between the two experimental groups. The same applies to aortic and heart muscle cholesterol content. At autopsy control rabbits showed fatty changes in their livers and atherosclerosis of the aorta, while in the experimental animals no such lesions were found.