Regression of Advanced Atherosclerosis in Swine

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Abstract
Several studies have shown that diet-induced non-complicated atherosclerotic lesions regress after removal of the dietary stimulus. Such regression has been reported in monkeys (Armstrong et al., 1970; Armstrong and Megan, 1972; Tucker et al., 1971; Eggen et al., 1974; De Palma et al., 1972; Vesselinovitch et al., 1973), in chickens (Pick et al., 1952; Horlick and Katz, 1949), in pigeons (Clarkson et al., 1971; St. Clair et al., 1972), and in dogs (Bevans et al., 1951; De Palma et al., 1970). In rabbits, regression of atherosclerotic lesions appears to occur only when produced by relatively short-term cholesterol feeding (Bortz, 1968). No regression or only minor shrinkage of lesions resulting from long-term cholesterol feeding has been reported in this animal (Friedman and Byers, 1963; Prior and Ziegler, 1965; McMillan et al., 1955). On the contrary, in some instances, withdrawal of the dietary stimulus led to progression of the disease (Constantinides, 1965; Constantinides et al., 1960). Prior to our study, regression of advanced necrotic lesions (atheromata) and their complications, such as calcification, hemorrhage and thrombosis, has not yet been completely documented. Some studies of advanced lesions suggest that partial regression may occur; however, necrosis and calcification remain (Horlick and Katz, 1949; Prior and Ziegler, 1965).