Desmosterol Deposition in Human and Experimental Atherosclerosis

The role of desmosterol in the production of atherosclerotic plaques has been studied. By means of gas chromatographic analysis, it has been possible for the first time to show that in patients treated with triparanol, even for short periods of time, desmosterol does contribute to the sterol deposition. Furthermore, in the induced atherosclerotic plaques of rabbits desmosterol has been found to deposit at least as readily as does cholesterol. It is concluded from these observations that the replacement of serum cholesterol with desmosterol does not seem to offer a rational approach to the treatment of atherosclerosis.