Effects of Pravastatin on Plasma Lipid Concentrations in Poloxamer 407-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats

A new animal model of hyperlipidemia is being developed using the nonionic surfactant poloxamer 407 (P-407). We investigated the impact of pravastatin on P-407-induced hyperlipidemia. Twenty rats received P-407 300 mg intraperitoneally to induce hyperlipidemia, and 20 control rats received saline injection. Pravastatin was administered orally to an equal number of rats in both groups using three different regimens. A fourth group did not receive pravastatin. At 24 hours after injection, total cholesterol levels in two of the pravastatin groups were 28% and 34% lower than those in animals that did not receive pravastatin (p≤0.01). At 48 hours, triglyceride levels were significantly lower in all pravastatin groups (21–44%) versus animals not receiving pravastatin. Pravastatin diminished the effects of P-407 on lipoproteins. This new animal model may be useful in screening for investigational antihyperlipidemic agents.     

Neuropathology and Molecular Studies of a Patient with Tourette Syndrome and Huntington Disease

This paper reviews the association of Huntington's Disease (HD) and tic disorder or Tourette Syndrome (TS) We also present the results of a follow-up study of a male with childhood-onset TS and adult-onset HD who died at 45 years of age. The developmental course and results of neuropathologic and molecular studies of this patient are reported. This is the first case of childhood onset of TS with adult onset of HD reported who has come to autopsy. A developmental model for childhood and adult neuropsychiatric disorders is presented.