The effects of carbon monoxide on the development of atherosclerosis in the White Carneau pigeon

Abstract The effects on the extent and severity of atherosclerosis of intermittent exposure to carbon monoxide have been studied in normo- and hypercholesterolaemic White Carneau pigeons. Carbon monoxide had no enhancing effect in normocholesterolaemic birds. In hypercholesterolaemic birds (induced by adding 1% cholesterol to the diet), the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis was significantly more in birds exposed to carbon monoxide than in nonexposed birds after 52 weeks exposure but not after 84 weeks. The severity of atherosclerosis was related to the degree of hypercholesterolaemia. It is suggested that, in the White Carneau pigeon, exposure to carbon monoxide has an aggravating effect on plasma cholesterol levels which in turn affects the development of the disease. The possible role of carbon monoxide in relation to the development of human arterial disease is discussed.