ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Adrenal cortex
;
Rat
;
Normal
;
Hypophysectomy
;
Structural alteration
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The adrenal cortex of normal and hypophysectomized rats was observed by electron microscopy 5–90 days after the operation and, chiefly, the degeneration mechanism of the cortical tissue was discussed. In normal rats mitochondrial inner structures are generally tubular in shape in glomerulosa cells, vesicular (and tubulo-vesicular) in fasciculate cells and tubulo-vesicular (and vesicular) in reticularis cells. Some mitochondria in a few glomerulosa cells show long straight tubular crests in normal as well as hypophysectomized rats. Usually lipid droplets in normal glomerulosa, fasciculate and reticularis cells are surrounded by elements of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which are very closely associated with mitochondria. About 10–25 days after hypophysectomy, most mitochondria in fasciculate and reticularis cells show tubular crests, and numerous electron lucent lipid droplets are accumulated in these cells. These droplets occupy most parts of the cytoplasm and are sometimes in contact with one another or with mitochondria. The elements of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are markedly reduced in number and size. About 10–90 days after the hypophysectomy, the degenerative cortical cells containing irregularly shaped nuclei, heterogeneously dense bodies in various sizes, and a large number of electron lucent lipid droplets are seen. The author speculates that most fasciculate and reticularis cells degenerate because of a disorder in the lipid metabolism, since ACTH release, which is necessary for synthesis of corticosteroid hormones from cholesterol, is absent in hypophysectomy. The fatty degeneration of the fasciculate and reticularis cells is considered to be a main cause for attenuation of the cortical tissue. Sometimes atrophied cortical cells without lipid droplets are also found 60–90 days after hypophysectomy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00306655
