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

Abstract

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