Effect of Dihydrocholesterol (Cholestanol) Administration on Plasma Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis in the Rabbit. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. Effects of dihydrocholesterol on cholesterol content of plasma and on development of atherosclerosis were investigated in the rabbit. 2. Rabbits fed a diet containing 1% cholesterol exhibited typical hypercholesterolemia (average, 1041 mg/100 cc of plasma) and atherosclerosis (average estimated plaque area was 271 mm²). Rabbits fed 1% cholesterol plus 2% dihydrocholesterol, the average plasma cholesterol value was 120 mg % and the average atherosclerotic plaque area was 4.9 mm². 3. Addition of dihydrocholesterol to a normal diet had no effect on the levels of plasma cholesterol, but did result in an increase in the average atherosclerotic plaque area.