Comparison of the antiatherogenic effects of isradipine and ramipril in cholesterol-fed rabbits. I: Effect on progression of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction

This study was designed to compare the effects of a calcium antagonist (isradipine) and a converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril) on progression and regression of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Sixty rabbits in three groups were fed a 0.3% cholesterol diet for 4 weeks. After this induction period, group II received the 0.3% cholesterol diet, group III received cholesterol diet with isradipine (0.33 mg/kg/day), and group IV received cholesterol with ramipril (0.33 mg/kg/day) for 12 more weeks. A group of 20 rabbits received a standard diet throughout the study (group I). After 16 weeks, 10 rabbits were randomly chosen from each group and used in the progression study. The other rabbits were placed on a standard diet and remained on their respective drug regimen for 12 more weeks