Dietary protein rabbits

The standard diet used in our experiments is a semipurified, cholesterol-free preparation that is composed of 25% protein, 40% sucrose, 13% coconut oil, 1% corn oil, 15% cellulose, 5% mineral mix, and 1% vitamin mix. This diet has been shown to induce an endogenous hypercholesterolemia and lead to atherosclerosis in rabbits and monkeys (4, 5). The specific question addressed by our series of investigations is whether the type of dietary protein, when all other dietary components are constant, can influence the development of hyperlipoproteinemia and atherosclerosis. More specifically, we have examined the effects of the individual amino acids, lysine and arginine, and their ratios in the diet on plasma and hepatic lipids as well as the development of arterial plaques. 

Huff, M.W. and Carroll, K.K. 1980. Effects of dietary protein on turnover, oxidation, and absorption of cholesterol, and on steroid excretion in rabbits. J. Lipid Res. 21, 546-558. 

SIRIKCI, O., OZER, N. K. AZZI, A. 1996. Dietary cholesterol-induced changes of protein kinase C and the effect of vitamin E in rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells. Atherosclerosis, 126, 253-63. 

Vahter M, Marafante E (1987) Effects of low dietary intake of methionine, choline or proteins on the biotransformation of arsenite in the rabbit. Toxicol Lett... 

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