Regional differences in cholesterol content of aorta in response to experimental coarctation in spontaneously atherosclerosis-susceptible pigeons.

The effect of experimental coarctation of the aorta at a site above the coeliac bifurcation (site of occurance of spontaneous atherosclerotic lesions) in White Carneau pigeons was examined. Cholesterol content of the aorta in the site where spontaneous atherosclerosis usually occurs (coeliac bifurcation = lesion site) was decreased in pigeons with aortic coarctation. On the other hand, in the region proximal to the site of coarctation which is usually free of atherosclerotic events cholesterol accumulation was increased. A decrease in percent composition of oleic acid (the major fatty acid which increases during atherosclerosis) was noted in the lesion site. These studies have shown regional differences in response of aorta to experimental coarctation in spontaneously atherosclerotic-susceptible pigeons and suggest that lowering of blood pressure at lesion site might decrease cholesterol accumulation and perhaps might retard subsequent atherogenic process.