Location and sequence of atherosclerotic plaque formation in white Carneau and show racer pigeons: reevaluation and redefinition.
Sudan staining of gross specimens with correlated histologic sections was used to localize the accumulation of fat in the aortas of genetically susceptible and resistant strains of pigeons. The birds were maintained on a cholesterol-free grain diet, and studies were done sequentially from ages 1 month to 4 years. Evidence suggests that the accumulation of lipids in musculoelastic cushions located at the origin of small branches is not necessarily a precursor of complicated lesions, but that it occurs concurrently in susceptible and resistant strains. In contrast, in the "lesion area," lipid accumulation is more striking and occurs earlier in the susceptible strain. It precedes proliferation by three to six months. Thus, in this model, two distinct types of fatty streaks can be identified and their biologic features can be defined and related to their propensity for atherogenesis.