[Effect of sensitization on the characteristics of development of experimental atherosclerosis]

Tests were set up on 99 rabbits to study the influence of sensitization with the vascular "atherosclerotic" antigen on the features specific for the development of experimental atherosclerosis. The results obtained bear witness to a variable effect of sensitization that depends upon the timing of the latter. Sensitization practised concurrently and right from the beginning of feeding the rabbits on cholesterol introduced some elements of prophylaxis of the experimental atherosclerosis. On the other hand, sensitization instituted 3 months after starting the cholesterol feeding of the rabbits resulted in the aggravation of the disease, manifesting itself not in the extension of the area of the atherosclerotic lesion of the aorta, but in an increased incidence of myocardial infarctions.