Inhibition of coronary atherosclerosis in the x-irradiated, cholesterol-fed rat by chondroitin sulfate A.

Abstract

Lipid-containing atherosclerotic coronary lesions were produced in rats exposed to a single dose of 600 r total body x-irradiation and subsequently fed a cholesterol-containing diet. Non-irradiated rats fed a similar diet did not develop such lesions nor did x-irradiated rats fed a cholesterol-free diet. The incidence and extent of lipid deposition in the coronary arteries of x-irradiated, cholesterol-fed rats was significantly reduced by the oral administration of chondroitin sul-fate A at a 0.4% level in the diet. Exposure to total body x-irradiation significantly reduced the increment in liver cholesterol and liver total lipid and to a lesser extent plasma cholesterol levels induced by cholesterol feeding in the rat. No significant differences in plasma and liver cholesterol and liver cholesterol and liver total lipid levels were observed between x-irradiated, cholesterol-fed rats administered chondroitin sulfate A and x-irradiated, cholesterol-fed rats not administered this supplement.