A search for a model of experimental atherosclerosis: comparative studies in rabbits, guinea pigs and rats

Rabbits, guinea pigs and rats received for 3 months a high lipid diet containing coconut oil and cholesterol, separately or in combination. The blood lipid content was assayed. Lipoproteins were separated into fractions by agarose electrophoresis. The aorta, heart and liver were investigated macro- and microscopically. The most pronounced changes in lipid metabolism appeared as a consequence of combined administration of coconut oil and cholesterol; they were most expressed in rabbits, less in guinea pigs, and most weakly in rats. Typical atherosclerotic lesions were observed only in rabbit's aorta. They were accompanied by a marked depression of the percentage content of alpha-lipoproteins in blood serum.