Abstract
Background and Objectives: Different factors are involved in inducing and progressing of atherosclerosis. One of these factors is endothelin-1. Since in atherosclerotic vessels obvious and certain changes with abnormality in transferring of calcium ions are seen, some researchers suggested that calcium channel blockers can slow down the process of atherosclerosis.
Materials and Methods: Thirty six male Newsland white rabbits were divided into four groups: The normal control group, normal group receiving amlodipine, high-cholesterol diet group and high-cholesterol diet with amlodipine group. After 8 weeks all animals anesthetized and blood and tissues samples were colleted.
Results: The levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in groups of high-cholesterol diet and high-cholesterol diet plus amlodipine in comparison to control group increased significantly (p=0.000). In plasma endothelin-1 level results indicate that difference among groups of amlodipine, high-cholesterol diet and high-cholesterol diet plus amlodipine with control group is significant (p=0.000).. The tissue levels of endothelin in aorta artery difference among groups of high-cholesterol diet and high-cholesterol diet plus amlodipine with control is significant (p=0.000) but difference between amlodipine and control groups is not significant and difference between high-cholesterol diet and high-cholesterol diet plus amlodipine groups is significant (p=0.000).
Conclusion: High-cholesterol cause increase of plasma and tissue endothelin and amlodipine decrease levels of cholesterol and triglyceride and also in high lipid situation has effect on endothlin level and decrease of it in plasma and tissue.