The effects of N(4-methylphenyl)diphenimide on lipid metabolism of Sprague Dawley rats.

N(4-Methylphenyl)diphenimide proved to be an effective hypolipidemic agent in rats at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day. Both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were reduced significantly. Decreases in tissue lipids as well as VLDL cholesterol levels were observed. HDL-cholesterol was elevated even at 10 mg/kg/day. The agent was equally effective in hyperlipidemic diet-induced rats, lowering serum lipids and VLDL- and LDL-cholesterol while elevating HDL-cholesterol levels. The drug interfered with the incorporation of 3H-cholesterol and 3H-palmitic acid into chylomicrons, VLDL, and LDL. The two precursors were incorporated at a higher rate into HDL. 3H-Leucine was incorporated into chylomicrons, VLDL, and LDL at a higher rate, but not into HDL. Reduced uptake of the precursor for lipid synthesis was noted in tissues after treatment with the drug.