Effect of lovastatin and probucol on intracellular cholesterol content in foam cells derived from mouse peritoneal macrophages

AIM To examine the effects of lovastatin, probucol on the intracellular cholesterol content and cholesterol efflux. METHODS With the model of foam cells through depositing the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OXLDL) into mouse peritoneal macrophages, intracellular cholesterol content was examined by high performance liquid chromatography after the administration of lovastatin and probucol at different concentration. RESULTS The CE/TC ratios of the model group were beyond 50% and extremely higher than those of the normal and negative groups, suggesting that the model of foam cells was established triumphantly. Lovastatin decreased intracellular TC, CE and CE/TC significantly and dose-dependently. Probucol also possessed such effects on intracellular TC, CE, but no dose-dependently, and no effect on the ratio of CE/TC. CONCLUSION The results showed lovastatin might be conducive to plagues stability by increasing cholesterol efflux from the foam cells and decreasing the intracellular cholesterol content. Probucol did not have this effect although it decreased intracellular TC and CE content.