EFFECT OF LONG-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF CHOLESTYRAMINE ON THE FIBRINOLYTIC SYSTEM IN RABBITS

In rabbit experiments, the antilipaemic agent cholestyramine was tested for its influence on the fibrinolytic system. During three months, the rabbits received pellets containing a daily dose of 400 mg cholestyramine/kg bodyweight. After the first 4 weeks of administration, the t-PA activity decreased, reaching its initial value after seven weeks and showing a remarkable increase after 12 weeks of treatment. The plasminogen activator inhibitor activity (PAI) dropped significantly by some 50% after 7 weeks of treatment and remained unchanged throughout the following 5 weeks. After three months of treatment, the activator content increased by 50% in kidney tissue. No change of t-PA activity was found in the lungs. The administration of cholestyramine over three months did not influence the plasma concentrations of plasminogen, α2-antiplasmin and antithrombin III. © 1990.