ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Submandibular gland
;
Adrenal X zone
;
Ovariectomy
;
Morphometrical analysis
;
Mice
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Morphological changes in submandibular glands of female mice following ovariectomy were studied morphometrically by light microscopy and ultrastructurally by electron microscopy. The X zone of the adrenal gland was examined in order to assess possible changes that might be expected to occur after ovariectomy. In submandibular glands, 1 to 4 weeks after ovariectomy, no changes were observed in percentages of the acinar, intercalated duct, and granular convoluted tubular areas occupying photomicrographs. However, an increase in the granular content of both intercalated duct and granular convoluted tubular cells was recognized. By contrast, the glandular picture 4 months after ovariectomy changed remarkably, resembling that of the male mouse both morphometrically and in terms of fine structure. In the adrenal cortex of control female mice, the X zone became thinner with aging. As compared with this, the X zone of ovariectomized mice at any time after the operation was thicker than that of controls. These observations suggest that the absence of ovarian hormones in the ovariectomized mouse may lead to prolonged functioning of X zone cells, which in turn may cause masculinization of the submandibular gland.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00215195
