Reduction of excess cholesterol in the rabbit aorta by inhibition of endogenous cholesterol synthesis.

Hepatic cholesterol synthesis in rabbits, as measured by the incorporation of C(14)-labelled acetate, was inhibited by addition of non-toxic amounts of vanadyl sulfate (0.05 per cent VOSO(4).2H(2)O) to the diet. This diet reduced excess aortic cholesterol in cholesterol prefed rabbits when fed during the 6 weeks immediately following a 4 week period of cholesterol feeding.