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Energy Metabolism in Atherosclerosis-resistant and -susceptible Pigeons^1,2,

Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

Energy metabolism in atherosclerosis-susceptible White Carneau (WC) and -resistant Show Racer (SR) pigeons was investigated to ascertain if this could be the basis for the difference in susceptibility to aortic atherosclerosis. Two groups of 6-week-old pigeons from each breed were used, one as a baseline group (SRB, WCB) and the other as an experimental group (SRE, WCE). All groups were fed a basal diet. Two weeks after the basal diet had been fed, resting oxygen consumption of the two baseline groups (SRB, WCB) was measured, followed by a 1-week feeding of a low iodine diet. The birds (SRB, WCB) were then injected intraperitoneally with 0.5 µCi ¹⁸¹I. The uptake and release of ¹⁸¹I by the thyroid were measured at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours postinjection after which the animals were killed. Sixteen weeks later the remaining birds (SRE, WCE) were subjected to the same experimental procedure. Carcasses of all four groups of birds were analyzed for total water, fat, and protein. WC showed a significantly higher rate of oxygen consumption, lower body fat content, and higher body water content. Though not significantly, WC also showed higher uptake of ¹⁸¹I, greater food intake per 100 g body weight, and lower energy expenditure for physical activity. The difference in susceptibility to the disease in these two breeds cannot be explained by the differences in thyroid activity. Food intake and physical activity levels may be closely related to the susceptibility to the disease.

KEY WORDS: • atherosclerosis • energy • pigeon

¹ Supported in part by USPHS National Institutes of Health Grant no. HE 11484, the Hawaii Heart Association, and the University of Hawaii Biomedical Sciences Support.

² Published with the approval of the Director. Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Series no. 1420.

³ Based upon a thesis submitted by Charlotte R. Olson in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.S. degree at the University of Hawaii. Present address: 1706 E. 8th Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55812.

Manuscript received 28 January 1972.