To assess the relationship between altitude, atherogenic, and anti-atherogenic lipoprotein cholesterols (low- [C-LDL] and high [C-HDL] density lipoprotein cholesterols, respectively), 136 and 94 Venezuelan Mestizos living at 1,000 and 3,500 in elevation were studied. The two groups did not differ in regard to height, weight, ethnic origin, social or economic status, nutritional patterns, age, or occupation. Both groups had a high level of daily physical exertion, an imperative in their subsistence rural agricultural economy. Due to the mountainous terrain, high altitude residents were thought to have increased levels of physical activity. Males and females at high altitude had significantly lower plasma total cholesterol and C-LDL levels, and slightly lower C-HDL levels than those at low altitudes. It is speculated that reduced coronary heart disease event rates at high altitude might be related to lower levels of the atherogenic lipoprotein cholesterol, C-LDL.

The concentration of manganese per gram dry tissue weight was determined in samples from 39 areas of 8 normal human brains. Manganese was shown to be unevenly distributed with the largest concentrations in the pineal gland and the olfactory bulb. The gray matter yielded a higher content of manganese than the white matter. Significant differences between individuals were found for identical areas of the gray and white matter of the cerebral cortex. Higher levels of manganese were demonstrated in the tail of the caudate nucleus than in the body and the head of the same structure. No significant correlation was shown between the amount of manganese in brain and age.

Copper concentration was determined in samples from 38 areas of 7 normal human brains. The grey matter contained higher concentrations of copper than the white matter. Identical areas of the grey and white matter of the cerebral cortex showed significant differences between individuals. In the caudate nucleus the highest concentrations of copper were found in the tail followed by the body and the head, respectively. A negative linear regression between age and brain copper levels was demonstrated.

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