[Effect of dietary protein content on the structure of blood vessels]

It has been demonstrated in experiments on rats that prolonged (for 1-6 months) use of the diet with protein deficiency or excess (5 and 30% respectively as regards caloricity) determines the development of injuries to the aortal wall and arteries of the heart and kidneys. Vascular elasticity shows abnormality, which is the most pronounced if the animals are given the low-protein diet including butter. Sunflower oil has a protective effect which becomes manifest provided that the animals receive the high-protein diet.