Comparative pathologic and hematologic effects in various species fed cholesterol and fats.

The hematologic response in various animal species fed cholesterol and fat differed with the species and sex. Male rabbits, chickens and guinea pigs could not adequately comensate for the demand for increased red cell production and developed anemia. Female guinea pigs given added cholesterol and fat maintained adequate blood cell production but may have become anemic if the test period had been extended. Bone marrow production was increased in male rats and was sufficient to compensate for red cell loss. Blood and bone marrow values were not altered in female chickens by the dietary treatment. Fatty changes in the liver were common to all species fed added cholesterol and fat but gastric lesions were seen only in the rabbit.