The Antiatherogenic Effect of Iridium192 upon the Cholesterolfed Rabbit*

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Abstract
A vinyl catheter containing either iridium192 wire or non-radioactive iridium was introduced into the aorta of each of 43 rabbits via the right femoral artery and removed after 48 hours, during which time the aortas containing iridium192 received 1,300 to 1,700 r of gamma radiation. Beginning 2 weeks after removal of the wire, some rabbits were fed cholesterol-oil enriched diet. Aortas previously exposed to radia-tion proved resistant to atherosclerosis in that portion which had received irradiation. Radiation did not alter the hypercholesteremic response of the rabbits, nor prevent the entrance of cholesterol into the aorta wall. It did prevent the florid intimal hyperplastic response to hypercholesteremia and thus prevented atherosclerosis.