Effect of bran and cholestyramine on plasma lipids in monkeys

Semipurified diets whose cholesterol content varied from 34 to 120 mg/100 kcal were given to adult female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) for 9 months. The intake of dietary fiber was increased through the addition of wheat, rice, or soya bran; 5% cholestyramine was given to one group of monkeys. None of the brans reduced plasma levels of cholesterol, whereas cholestyramine produced marked hypocholesterolemic effects. Triglyceride levels increased with higher cholesterol intake, but no additional changes were induced by any of the experimental diets. Plasma phospholipids were reduced by cholestyramine.