Two trials of teststoerone feeding were preformed in order to test the effects of testosterone on serum lipid and aortas of chicks. In the first experiment, chicks were fed ad-libitum a diet which contained either 1% cholesterol or 0.1% testosterone or both for eight weeks. Chicks fed cholesterol only developed hypercholesterolemia and small lipid deposits in the interlammelar connective tissue cells of the aorta. There were no significant changes in the serum lipid level of testosterone supplemented chicks. Chicks fed testosterone adlibitum exhibited a mild degeneration of smooth muscle cells. In the second experiment, chicks were force-fed 150mg of testosterone alone per day for 7 weeks. Macroscopically, these chicks developed a precocious puberty-like appearance, which was characterized by a big comb and a short stature. Hypertriglyceridemia was also seen. Ultrastractural changes were marked in both thoracic and abdominal aortas. These changes consisted of lipid deposition, activation and degeneration in both interlammelar connective tissue cells and smooth muscle cells of entire aorta.
