Effects of diazacholesterol, triparanol, and beta-sitosterol on egg cholesterol deposition in coturnix quail

Studies were undertaken to determine the effect of inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis on deposition of cholesterol in eggs of Japanese quail. Results indicate that this bird responds similarly to the laying hen, making it a useful screening device for these types of compounds. Administration of either triparanol or 20,25 diazacholesterol resulted in a decreased cholesterol content of the yolk. Concomitant with this decrease was an increase in desmosterol deposition. Beta sitosterol (2%) fed either alone or with lecithin (2%) did not result in a decrease in egg yolk cholesterol. No beta-sitosterol was found in the egg yolk. Diazacholesterol fed either with sitosterol, or sitosterol plus lecithin, was not effective in reducing the total sterol content of egg.