Method of treating atherosclerosis

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of treating atherosclerosis, and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method.

1 . A method of treating atherosclerosis in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment: i) a progestational agent that has a minimal effect on the sex organs of said mammal or ii) a non-steoidal compound that inhibits macrophages or macrophage function, wherein said agent or said compound is administered in an amount sufficient to effect said treatment.  
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said progestational agent is administered and said agent has less of an effect than medroxyprogesterone acetate on said sex organs.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said non-steroidal compound is administered.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said non-steroidal compound inhibits macrophage Fc receptors.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein 17-hydroxyprogesterone is administered.  
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said non-steroidal compound is administered and said non-steroidal compound is a benzazepine or a butyrophenone.  
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6  wherein SCH-23390 or haloperidol is administered.