Changes in plasma lipoprotein lipids in hypercholesterolaemic patients treated with the bile acid-sequestering resin, colestipol

1. Seven patients with type II hyperlipoproteinaemia were treated with the bile acid-sequestering resin, colestipol (5 g three times daily), after a prolonged period of taking placebo.

2. After 8–9 weeks of treatment, the plasma concentration of the non-esterified cholesterol of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) had risen by a mean of 0.09 mmol/l (43% increase, P < 0.001), that of the esterified cholesterol of VLDL had risen by a mean of 0.11 mmol/l (38% increase, P < 0.01), and that of the triglyceride of VLDL had risen by a mean of 0.40 mmol/l (53% increase, P<0.001). During the same period, the plasma concentration of the non-esterified cholesterol of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) decreased by a mean of 0.44 mmol/l (26% decrease, P < 0.01), that of the esterified cholesterol of LDL decreased by a mean of 1.28 mmol/l (30% decrease, P< 0.001), and that of the triglyceride of LDL decreased by a mean of 0.04 mmol/l (8% decrease, P < 0.01). No significant changes occurred in the plasma concentration of either the cholesterol or triglyceride of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) during treatment.

3. During the early period of treatment with colestipol, changes took place in the specific radioactivity of plasma cholesterol (labelled by intravenous injection of [3H]cholesterol), which, together with the changes in the mass of cholesterol within the individual plasma lipoproteins, were consistent with an increased influx into plasma of non-esterified cholesterol within VLDL, and an increased efflux of cholesterol from plasma within LDL.

Inhibition of the absorption of paraquat from the gastrointestinal tract by adsorbents

Clark, D. G. (1970).Brit. J. industr. Med.,27, 186-188. Inhibition of the absorption of paraquat from the gastrointestinal tract by adsorbents. The efficacy of the oral administration of adsorbents Kaolin, Decalso, Amberlite, Bentonite and Fuller's Earth in preventing the toxic actions of ingested paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-dipyridylium) has been assessed using rats and cats. Only Bentonite and Fuller's Earth were found to have any effect, and they were both more effective than a simple stomach wash. It is suggested that these materials may be useful as immediate antidotes to paraquat poisoning in man. Fuller's Earth is preferable to Bentonite as it can be used as a more concentrated suspension, leading to a beneficial reduction in therapeutic volume.