抄録
In order to clarify the effect of glomerulonephritis and hypercholesterolemia in atherogenesis, Masugi nephritis was induced in male Wistar rats fed a high cholesterol diet, containing 2% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid in a standard diet. Three groups of rats served as controls: (1) agematched, untreated normal rats, (2) Masugi nephritis-induced rats, (3) rats fed a high cholesterol diet. Experimental rats showed a high excretion of protein in the urine. Elevation of systolic blood pressure was slight, and moderate to marked increase in serum lipids and lipoproteins was observed. All experimental rats showed foam cells in the glomerular tufts. In electron microscopic study, foam cells were located in the mesangial matrix and subendothelium of the glomerular capillary. Aorta showed edematous intimal thickening. Experimental rats exhibited the greatest degree of edematous intimal thickening as well as the highest incidence of intimal lesions compared to control groups. Ultrastructural observation of aortic intima displayed a widening of the subendothelial space suggesting an early arteriosclerotic change.
These results suggest an additive effect of glomerulonephritis to hypercholesterolemia promotes the development of aortic intimal lesion in rats.
