Regression of Coronary Atheromatosis in Rhesus Monkeys

Abstract

Rhesus monkeys subjected to the atherogenic stimulus of a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet showed significant coronary atheromatosis at the end of 17 months. Smaller fibrotic lesions with scant stainable lipid were found in animals that were subsequently fed either of two cholesterol-free diets for 40 months. The average cross-sectional area of the lumen was more than 80% greater in regression animals than in monkeys with baseline atherosclerosis. The data support the hypothesis that uncomplicated coronary atheromas may regress in primates in appropriate dietary settings.