[Extraction of cholesterol from vessel walls by surface-active agents and organic solvents]

Low concentrations (0.1--1.0%) of surface-active substances Tween-20, Triton X-100 and sodium deoxycholate were shown to extract 20--40% of cholesterol from dog vessel wall. Dioxane was effective at high concentrations (80--100%). As contrast to dioxane, ethanol extracted up to 20% of cholesterol at low concentrations (10--20%). The thickened intima of the atherosclerotic vessel is the significant barrier for the extraction of cholesterol.