Effect of dietary vitamin E on plasma lipids and atherogenesis in restricted ovulator chickens

Restricted ovulator hens, which develop hyperlipidemia, were fed 1000 IU vitamin E per k of diet. These hens maintained their hyperlipidemia but plasma peroxide levels were reduced to those of laying hens. The intimal thickness of the aorta was measured by light microscopy. Hyperlipidemic hens which had high plasma peroxide levels had an increased intimal thickness as compared to laying hens. Hyperlipidemic hens which had their plasma peroxide levels reduced by dietary vitamin E had intimal thicknesses the same as laying hens. It is suggested that hyperlipidemia without lipid peroxidation either does not promote atherogenesis or does so at a reduced rate.