Long-term effects of diazepam on plasma lipids and atheroma in roosters fed in atherogenic diet.

Long-term effects of diazepam on plasma lipids and atheroma in roosters fed an atherogenic diet have been studied. Our data indicate that long-term administration (8 months) of diazepam (Valium) 0.2 mg/kg orally lowered the plasma cholesterol level when compared to the atherogenic group, but this was not statistically significant (P greater than 0.05). However, at the dose of 0.4 mg/kg of Valium the plasma cholesterol was significantly lowered when compared to the controls on an atherogenic diet (P less than 0.05). Both doses of Valium significantly decreased the incidence and severity of lesions on the endothelial surface of the aorta and coronary artery in roosters fed an atherogenic diet. No changes in plasma triglyceride values were noted. Administration of 0.4 mg/kg of Valium to birds receiving the atherogenic diet produced a small but significant increase of mean, systolic and diastolic blood pressures as compared to the birds receiving an atherogenic diet but no Valium. A similar increase in blood pressure was also noted in the control group on plain mash diet receiving 0.2 mg/kg of Valium. Microscopic examination of the coronary arteries showed that birds on an atherogenic regimen receiving Valium had less atherosclerosis than those not receiving Valium.