Quantitative Study of Estrogen-Induced Atherosclerosis in Cockerels.

Abstract

Summary1) Results of dose and time response studies in quantitation of atherogenic effect of pharmacologic amounts of estrogen on young cockerels have been used in formulating a method for the study of atherosclerosis. 2) The method is based upon response of immature birds to 2.5 mg of estradiol cyclopentylpropionate dissolved in cottonseed oil (ECP) administered intramuscularly at beginning of 7 day experiment. 3) Results suggest that feminizing effect and some degree of atherosclerosis result from ECP dosage levels lower than those required to produce hypercholesterolemia and other blood serum changes associated with atherosclerosis. There are indications that atheroma may regress with time.