Abstract
Summary
The effects of androsterone and testosterone propionate on atheroma and plasma lipid shifts induced by cholesterol feeding in cockerels were compared. Both compounds produced significant inhibition of coronary arterial atheroma. Aortic atherogenesis was not affected. The effects on plasma lipids were similar; non-significant reduction in cholesterol (C), significant decrease in phospholipid (P) with elevated C/P ratios. Testosterone propionate, but not androsterone, caused a significant reduction in testicular weight; both compounds stimulated comb growth. Further experimentation with androgens should provide useful information on the relationship between plasma lipid changes and inhibition of coronary atherogenesis.
The technical assistance of Astrida Kalnmalis and Margot Turner is gratefully acknowledged.
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