Journal of Dental Research, Vol 60, 1876-1885, Copyright © 1981 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Atherosclerosis in the tongue of the rhesus monkey
R. S. Mostofi and R. A. Goepp
Atherosclerotic vascular lesions in rhesus monkey tongues were studied, in
both induction and regression periods. Vascular lesions were induced by
peanut oil and a combination of coconut oil and butter fat, which caused
the rapid elevation of serum lipids of all the animals. Atherosclerotic
lesions were found in the tongues of all animals on an atherogenic diet.
Larger arteries were found to be more susceptible to the disease. During
the regression period animals received either a low-fat, low-cholesterol
diet with or without cholestyramine, or an atherogenic diet with
cholestyramine. Regression of the disease was more significant in animals
on a low-fat, low-cholesterol and cholestyramine diet. Lesions in larger
arteries in the tongues appeared to respond to the treatment more rapidly.
