Strain differences in the hypolipemic action of dietary calcium in mature male rats.

Two strains of rats, Holtzman and Wistar, were found to differ significantly in serum and fecal lipid response when fed a corn-soya diet containing 18% added cocoa butter or corn oil and 0.08% or 1.2% calcium. Interactions of strain with fat and with calcium were noted. The Holtzman rat usually had lower serum and tissue lipid levels and higher fecal lipid levels than the Wistar rat. The magnitude of the strain differences is sufficient to explain the incompatibility of results of the different investigators who have been studying lipid metabolism.