Abstract
Effects of the diet on production and regression of atherosclerosis was studied. Rabbits were fed diets supplemented with cholesterol for a period of approx. 3 months. Serum cholesterol level variations and changes of aortic atheroma lesions were investigated. In case of production of atherosclerosis, an abrupt rise in serum cholesterol levels was first observed followed by an increase in tissue contents. Aortic atheroma formation occurred after 40 day's feeding. However, production of atheroma did not appear to be progressive after a period of approx. 70 days. It was considered that in rabbits, approx. 2 months are required for atherosclerosis to proceed.
In regression experiments, rabbits were subjected to an atherogenic diet and subsequently transferred to a stock diet and a stock diet supplemented with corn oil respectively, In the latter diet, there was an abrupt decrease in serum cholesterol levels, and aortic atheroma lesion signs appeared to be regressive. In concern of the aorta, effectiveness could thus not be recognized by merely shifting the animals to a stock diet.
