Summary
The ultrastructural changes occuring in adrenocortical cells of prednisolone-treated rats were evaluated by morphometric methods. They consist mostly in a conspicuous decrease in the smooth reticulum surface and in the lipid droplets. The diminution of the smooth reticulum accounts for about 60 % of the decrement in cellular volume and in adrenal weight. Since numerous enzymes of corticosteroid-synthesis are localized in the microsomal fraction of adrenocortical cells, it is reasonable to suggest that the decrement of these organelles is the morphological expression of the cellular deficit in hormone-synthesis.
The possible mechanism of reduction of the reticulum membranes is discussed in relation to the probable regulation mechanism of the adrenocortical secretion. It is proposed that the reticulum decrement is the result of a reduced synthesis of new membranes, due to an inhibition of protein-synthesis in adrenocortical cells.
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The author wishes to express his sincere appreciation to Mr. G. Gottardo and to Dr. A. Gambino for their excellent technical assistance.
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Nussdorfer, G.G. Effects of corticosteroid-hormones on the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of rat adrenocortical cells. Z.Zellforsch 106, 143–154 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01027722
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01027722