Anplag, a selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, reduces stenosis induced by balloon injury in the hypercholesterolaemic rabbit.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of anplag, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, on intimal hyperplasia (IH) after balloon injury. In 39 male New Zealand white rabbits, the left carotid artery was denuded of endothelium by an inflated balloon. The injury not only damaged the endothelium, but also caused damage to underlying smooth muscle cells. Twelve rabbits fed normal chow were divided into 2 groups: Group A; anplag was not administered, and Group B; anplag, 100 mg/kg, was given by gavage, including on the day of ballooning. The remaining 27 rabbits were fed chow containing 1% cholesterol and divided into 3 groups: Group C; anplag was not administered, Group D; anplag, 100 mg/kg, was given orally except on the day of ballooning, and Group E; anplag, 100 mg/kg, was given orally including on the day of ballooning. IH in Group B was 13.2% less than that in Group A and IH in Group D was 11.7% less than that in Group C. However, neither of these differences was significant. IH in Group E was significantly less (by 40.1%) than that in Group C. In conclusion, anplag significantly reduced IH after balloon injury in the hypercholesterolaemic rabbit by inhibiting proliferation of smooth muscle cells and cholesterol-uptake by macrophages when it was administered immediately before the procedure.