We studied the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits immunized with cholesterol liposomes and fed with cholesterol. Immunization was combined with immunostimulation (CDM, a Gram negative bacterial product). Cholesterol liposome immunization prevented the development of aortic atherosclerosis and significantly decreased the serum cholesterol level in comparison with the control group. These effects of immunization were destroyed by simultaneous treatment with an immunostimulant.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, Immunization, liposome, ELISA, anticholesterol antibody