Turnover of Cholesterol in the Artery Walls of Normal Chickens

Abstract

Studies of cholesterol metabolism in the walls of arteries of normal intact cockerels indicate that plasma cholesterol is the major precursor of the cholesterol in the artery wall, but that local synthesis may contribute a significant fraction. The fractional turnover of cholesterol in the wall of the abdominal aorta is faster than in either the thoracic aorta or the brachiocephalic arteries. However, considered in relation to endothelial surface area, the rate of cholesterol transfer from plasma is smallest in the abdominal aorta. The abdominal aorta also has a lower cholesterol concentration in this species than do the other large arteries.