Effects of meprobamate on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and experimental atherosclerosis.

The effects of the tranquilizer meprobamate (Equanil) on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and atherogenesis in cockerels fed an atherogenic diet have been investigated. Gross gradings (visually assessed blindly) of the atherosclerosis of the thoracic and abdominal aortas of the meprobamate-treated plain mash were significantly more severe than the untreated plain mash controls. There were no significant differences in the gradings of thoracic and abdominal aortic lesions in the atherogenic groups, whether treated with meprobamate or not. Microscopic examination of the coronary arteries of birds on the atherogenic regimen treated with meprobamate revealed that these birds had atherosclerosis similar to the atherogenic diet group.