The effect of atorvastatin on hemorheological parameters in rabbits fed on a normal diet.

The effects of statins have been investigated mostly in hyperlipidemic states so far. We analysed blood cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, fibrinogen and gammaglobulin levels, haematocrite, hemoglobin, erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet counts, blood and plasma viscosity and erythrocyte rigidity in 12 rabbits fed on a normal diet (chow) which were given 1 mg/kg/day atorvastatin for 4 weeks. Compared to the baseline levels, erythrocyte rigidity (k=0.12+/-0.05 vs. k=0.7+/-0.02) and gammaglobulin levels (1.03+/-0.23 g/dl vs. 0.78+/-0.27 g/dl) decreased significantly (p=0.008 and p=0.025, respectively). Blood lipids, hematological variables, blood and plasma viscosity did not change statistically. Our findings imply that in a normolipemic state, statins given in low doses may improve erythrocyte rigidity without altering blood lipids in short term. Decreased plasma gammaglobulin levels may be reflecting their immunomodulatory effects.