Spontaneous Atherosclerosis in the Rabbit

Abstract

Microscopic lesions interpreted as representing early atherosclerosis were found in the aortas of most suckling rabbits. This is a period characterized by relatively high plasma lipid levels. In the postweaning period the lesions regressed. Fresh lesions reappeared in a significant number of adult rabbits of both sexes. Correlation with plasma lipid levels in the adult is less conclusive.