The Influence of Reserpine on Plasma Cholesterol, Hemodynamics and Arteriosclerotic Lesions in the Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey

Abstract

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS of aves is similar to that seen in humans (Katz and Stamler, 1953). The normal spontaneous development of avian arteriosclerosis and the ease with which cholesterol can induce this condition have promoted the study of arteriosclerosis in birds.Lofland and Clarkson (1959) studied spontaneous atherosclerosis in pigeons. These workers found Racing Homers and Show Racers to be resistant to atherosclerosis while the White Carneau and Silver King had a high incidence of spontaneous atheromatous lesions in the aorta. The weight and cholesterol content of the aorta paralleled the severity of the disease while the serum cholesterol level was unrelated to the incidence and severity.Aortic rupture, a condition of considerable importance in Broad Breasted Bronze (BBB) turkeys, involves spontaneous aortic atherosclerosis as a possible contributing agent in its development (Carnaghan, 1955). Hemodynamic changes (Ringer and Rood, 1959) have been implicated as contributory agents in the aortic rupture syndrome. Katz …