Intimal Lesions in Arteries of Vit. E Deficient Rats. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1) The aorta and carotid arteries of rats maintained on a Vit. E-deficient diet for 280 to 450 days were characterized by presence of intimal changes. Addition of 15-20% Vit. E-free hydrogenated fat accelerated formation of lesions. A daily supplement of pure alpha-tocopherol to Vit. E-deficient diet inhibited formation of intimal changes. Addition of cholesterol to the diet had no effect on incidence or severity of the lesions. 2) Intimal alterations varied from a simple thickening of endothelium to large well formed plaques with fibrotic subendothelial tissue.