Abstract

The effect of ML-236B, a specific inhibitor of 3- hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, on serum lipids and plasma cortisol responses to ACTH were studied in 11 hypercholesterolemic patients. Mean serum total cholesterol decreased significantly [279 ± 57 (SD) mg/dl to 213 ± 48 mg/ dl], as did serum triglycerides (211 ± 140 mg/dl to 166 ± 125 mg/dl) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (195 ± 49 mg/dl to 139 ± 47 mg/dl), after ML-236B treatment for 12 weeks in doses ranging from 15–60 mg/day. The mean basal plasma cortisol level was not changed after ML-236B treatment, but the mean absolute increment in plasma cortisol increased from 15.4 ± 3.4 to 26.7 ± 8.4 εg/dl (P <0.005) after treatment. These data demonstrate a new effect of a potent inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3- methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in human adrenal tissue.

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