[Experimental hyperlipoproteinemia and arteriosclerosis in minipigs--effect of various drugs].

Experimental hyperlipoproteinemia and atherosclerosis were produced in mini-pigs of the Göttingen strain by adding egg yolk and cholesterol to the diet for one and a half year. Phenotyping of the hyperlipoproteinemia showed a great similarity with the human type IIa according to the Fredrickson classification system. Cholesterol ester-rich atherosclerotic lesions were developed, predominantly located in the abdominal aorta and the coronary arteries. Prophylactic treatment of the hyperlipoproteinemia with the drugs niceritrol (Perycit) and beta-pyridylcarbinol (Ronicol) significantly reduced the elevated plasma cholesterol level and reduced the degree of atherosclerosis in the abdominal aorta and the coronary arteries. Studies of the regression of the cholesterol ester accumulation showed an important difference between the two vascular regions. A very slow regression was observed in the abdominal aorta, while a more marked regression was present in the coronary arteries. Treatment with the drug clofibrate (Atromidin) normalized the plasma cholesterol level within a month and enhanced the regression of cholesterol esters in the coronary arteries.