Serum lipid-lowering properties of 6-chloro-9-[2-(6-methyl-3-pyridyl)ethyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole-2-carboxylic acid.

6-Chloro-9-[2-(6-methyl-3-pyridyl)ethyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole-2-carboxylic acid hydrochloride lowered serum cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid, and free fatty acid levels in normal rats. The compound appeared to have a low toxicity and to be well tolerated in mice, adult and neonatal rats, and rabbits. At hypolipidemic doses, it caused a slight hepatomegaly associated with an increase in liver phospholipid and protein content. Liver N-demethylase and catalase activities were increased by the drug treatment. This acid had no in vitro antilipolytic activity and did not affect serum desmosterol-cholesterol ratios. The results indicate that it has a mechanism of action similar to clofibrate.