Re: Anichkov's rabbits got atherosclerosis?
Now I get it, after reading Willis' paper. That guy did have it all figured out, way back in '53:
I have shown in two rabbits that cholesterol feeding produces a relative depletion of ascorbic acid (this animal can synthesize ascorbic acid) as measured by the intradermal dye injection method of Rotter using the modification of Slobody. This effect was also seen in cholesterol-fed guinea pigs receiving ascorbic acid by mouth. This may possibly be the way in which cholesterol produces ground substance injury under conditions of hypercholesterolaemia.
Somehow, high blood cholesterol is not only caused by
low ascorbate (in man), but also causes
low ascorbate (in an ascorbate synthesizer and a non-synthesizer both)! The plot thickens. I may have to retract a bit of my "cholesterol is harmless" stance. Maybe.
Of course, Willis doesn't mention the different types of blood cholesterol. We don't know how HDL, LDL, Lp(a) (do rabbits even make this?), or triglycerides were affected in the rabbits, or which were causing the ascorbate depletion, or how higher levels of Lp(a) in man may behave differently. But, this does clear up my original confusion, so thanks for the help!