Atherosclerosis in the tongue of the rhesus monkey

Atherosclerotic vascular lesions in rhesus monkey tongues were studied, in both induction and regression periods. Vascular lesions were induced by peanut oil and a combination of coconut oil and butter fat, which caused the rapid elevation of serum lipids of all the animals. Atherosclerotic lesions were found in the tongues of all animals on an atherogenic diet. Larger arteries were found to be more susceptible to the disease. During the regression period animals received either a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with or without cholestyramine, or an atherogenic diet with cholestyramine. Regression of the disease was more significant in animals on a low-fat, low-cholesterol and cholestyramine diet. Lesions in larger arteries in the tongues appeared to respond to the treatment more rapidly.