[Natural history of the regression of atherosclerosis: from animal models to men].

Numerous studies carried out on animal models (apes excepted) have given encouraging results as regards the regression of experimental atherosclerosis after return to a normal or hypocaloric diet combined or not with various drugs. Regression is more obvious when lesions are recent and less severe: lipid striae disappear in less than 12 months, whereas more advanced and complicated lesions take years to regress. Intracellular lipids and cell alterations vanish more readily than extracellular lipids and alterations of connective and matrical tissues.