Resumo

RAMOS, A. et al. Histopathological study of atherosclerotic lesions in Alentejano pigs. Rev. de Ciências Agrárias [online]. 2007, vol.30, n.1, pp.323-330. ISSN 0871-018X.

The present study aimed to assess the histopathological characterization of atherosclerotic lesions in Alentejano pigs, and to evaluate the relationship between several blood parameters and lesions development. Histomorphometric determinations of atherosclerotic lesions were performed on the left coronary artery and plasmatic levels of triacylglycerols, phospholipids, and of total, free, LDL and HDL cholesterol were measured by enzymatic methods. Pigs were assigned to two groups (n=6): Group I, with hypercholesterolemic pigs (4,25 mmol/L), and Group II, with normocholesterolemic ones (2,53 mmol/L). Average daily gain was similar in both groups. Plasmatic levels of total, free, esterified and LDL cholesterol were significantly higher (P=0,001) in Group I. The atherosclerotic lesion area was significantly higher (P=0,05) in the same group. Linear correlations between atherosclerotic lesion area (in initial Phases I and II) and plasmatic levels of total, free and LDL cholesterol were observed. The results of this study suggest that the Alentejano pig, like humans and other swine, may develop atherosclerotic lesions during its life cycle. Such lesions, associated with hypercholesterolemia, may be due to genetic mutations in apolipoproteins, lipid enzymes or receptor genes. Further studies on molecular genetics and on hysthopathology of this type of atherosclerostic lesion, in Alentejano pigs are required.

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