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A procedure for routine analysis of serum proteins is described, which is virtually free from factors requiring critical control in the staining process, and gives a stable linear dye-protein relationship over a wide range of protein densities. Optimal staining is achieved only if the concentration of the dye solution and the staining time both exceed inter-related lower limits which in combination depend on the maximum density of protein on paper for which optimal staining conditions are required. Staining for 10 minutes in a 1 p.c. solution of bromphenol blue produces optimal staining for protein densities up to 0–15 mg./cm2. Freedom from factors requiring critical control is a consequence of optimal staining conditions. A number of staining methods described in the literature are sub-optimal and in consequence require rigid standardization to obtain reproducible results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The daily administration of long-acting Heparin Retard to cholesterol fed rabbits produced a significant reduction in the serum levels of total fatty acids, phospholipid and β-lipoproteln. Toluidine blue produced a significant elevation in the same three fractions under similar circumstances. Despite the lipid changes produced, toluidine blue failed to increase the amount of aortic atheroma developed in the cholesterol fed rabbits. The significance of these findings in terms of the physiological rôle of heparin in fat transport and its significance in atherogenesis is discussed. It is concluded that substances affecting serum lipid components do not influence atherogenesis unless they alter the serum cholesterol level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium acetate administration in cholesterol fed rabbits produces a highly significant increase in the rate of rise of serum phospholipid and serum fatty acids, but no significant change in the rate of rise of serum cholesterol. The uranium acetate administration did not cause any increase in the atherosclerosis resulting from the cholesterol feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A close correlation was shown to exist between the severity of atheroma resulting from cholesterol feeding in rabbits and the serum cholesterol and β-lipoprotein levels. No consistent correlation was shown to exist between the phospolipids, fatty acids and the cholesterol-phospholipid ratio and the severity of atheroma. There was no correlation between α-lipoprotein and atheroma. The aorta cholesterol content in the cholesterol fed rabbits was very closely related to the severity of atheroma as determined by macroscopic grading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daily subcutaneous administration of toluidine blue has been shown to elevate significantly the total serum fatty acids in rabbits. An elevation of some 300 p.c. was observed. These changes were accompanied by elevations in the cholesterol, phospholipids and in the β-lipoproteins. No changes occurred in the α-lipoproteins. The elevations were maintained for as long as the toluidine blue was ad-ministered but fell following its withdrawal. The action of toluidine blue was discussed in terms of the physiological rôle of heparin in lipid transport and the possible relationship of this to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]