Some pathogenetic factors of age-related specificities in experimental atherosclerosis

Age-related specificities of the biosynthesis of lipids, of the character of hyperlipaemia, bile excretion by the liver and oxygen supply to the organism under conditions of hypoxic load were investigated in young (6-12 months) and old (3.5-4.5 years) rabbits in a normal state and with experimental atherosclerosis. The results have shown that the more marked character of atherosclerosis in comparison with younger animals is caused: a) by insufficient synthesis of phospholipids in aortic tissue; b) by a decrease of alpha-cholesterol in blood combined with more pronounced hypercholesterolaemia; c) by decreased bile excretion and content of bile acids in the bile; d) growing difficulties in ensuring oxygen supply to the organism.