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Hematologic and serologic abnormalities similar to those observed in human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed in cynomolgus macaques fed alfalfa sprouts. L-Canavanine sulfate, a constituent of alfalfa sprouts, was incorporated into the diet and reactivated the syndrome in monkeys in which an SLE-like syndrome had previously been induced by the ingestion of alfalfa seeds or sprouts.

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An extract from alfalfa meal, operationally defined as alfalfa saponins, was incorporated into the food of female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Monkeys received diets with and without added cholesterol. No signs of toxicity were detected from records of survival and body weight, from multiple hematologic and serum parameters, or from macroscopic and microscopic examination of various organs and tissues. Since alfalfa saponins lower plasma cholesterol levels and decrease atherogenesis, they may be useful for treating patients with atherosclerosis associated with a disturbed cholesterol metabolism.

A high level of plasma hoinocyst(e)ine (H(e)) has been reported to be an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), at least in some populations. We have determined the H(e) concentration in the plasma of two series of Norwegians in order to establish a baseline for future analysis of people with CHD. The mean sex‐ and age‐adjusted homocyst(e)ine level was 10.6 (range 4.84–29.88) in one series and 10.5 (range 3.76–40.57) in the other. The H(e) level appeared to be independent of other proven or potential risk factors or protective factors with respect to CHD. The intraclass correlation coefficient in monozygotic (MZ) twins is a (possibly inflated) estimate of heritability. We have examined two series of MZ twins. The intraclass correlation coefficient was significant in both series. In one series, the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.53 and the Kendall correlation coefficient 0.38. In the other, the values were 0.56 and 0.46, respectively. We conclude that in the population examined, H(e) levels exhibit significant heritability.