Hypolipidemic activity of 4-phenyl-5,5-dicarbethoxy-2-pyrrolidinone in rodents.

A series of pyrrolidinones have been reported to possess hypolipidemic activity in mice. The most active agent, 4-phenyl-5-5-dicarbethoxy-2-pyrrolidinone, effectively lowered both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels at 20-30 mg/kg/d. The agent suppressed liver mitochondrial citrate exchange, phosphatidate phosphohydrolase, and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase activities. Lipid content of the liver, small intestine, and serum lipoprotein fractions was reduced by drug treatment, but lipid levels increased in the bile and fecal samples, suggesting the drug accelerated lipid excretion. The mode of action of the pyrrolidinone appears similar to that of the cyclic imides.