FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE BLOOD CHOLESTEROL OF RABBITS IN RELATION TO ATHEROSCLEROSIS.
1. The action of potassium iodide in preventing a significant rise in the blood cholesterol of rabbits fed cholesterol was temporary. After about 4 months it lost its effectiveness and the blood cholesterol rose. 2. In rabbits with hypercholesterolemia resulting from long continued cholesterol feeding, the administration of potassium iodide caused a marked rise in the blood cholesterol. 3. On the other hand, dried whole thyroid given to such animals produced a sharp fall in the blood cholesterol. This fall was temporary and was followed by a rise to new high levels. 4. In thyroidectomized rabbits fed cholesterol and potassium iodide, both thyroid and thyroxin delayed but did not prevent a rise in blood cholesterol. Even with the hypercholesterolemia in these animals, however, the incidence of atherosclerosis was low. 5. Age apparently played a part in determining the response of the blood cholesterol to cholesterol feeding. In a group of old rabbits when compared with a younger group the rise in the cholesterol of the blood was greater and the subsequent return toward normal was slower when the feeding was stopped.
Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the Presbyterian Hospital, New York.
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Turner
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Bidwell