A series of purine derivatives have been prepared and their in vivo abilities to lower plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and to elevate high d. lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in hyperlipemic rats have been tested.Some compounds, among which thioadenosines I (X = OH (R), O, NNHCONH2) appear to be the most interesting, have been found to have both the desired profile of activity and no hepatotoxicity, when administered po at 50, 100 or 300 mg/kg.Compounds I orally tested at the same doses in the 15-d test, lower triglyceride and VLDL/LDL (very low d. lipoprotein/low d. lipoprotein) cholesterol levels by 10-33% and 13-46%, resp., and increase HDL-associated cholesterol levels by 10-32%.These mols. have been chosen for further pharmacol. and toxicol. evaluations.