Histological and ultrastructural analysis of the adrenal cortex of the Wrangel Island hoofed lemming (Dicrostonyx torquatus vinogradovi Ognev, 1948)
Gorbachev, A.L.; Tkachev, A.V.
Arkhiv Anatomii Gistologii i Embriologii 81(7): 87-94
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-1947 PMID: 7028001 Document Number: 176631
Structure of the adrenal cortex of the lemming (Dicrostonyx torquatus vinogradovi Ognev, 1948) from the Wrangel Island has been studied light optically and electron microscopically. Histological investigation of the adrenals has revealed some peculiar features in the gland demonstrating a moderate development of the reticular zone in both sex in the Dicrostonyx torquatus, as well as certain sex dimorphism in the organ's structure. A smaller specific gravity of the female glomerular zone, division of the female glomerular zone into two morphologically heterogenous layers and more distinctive medullary capsule in the males should be mentioned as the distinctive features. During pregnancy the glomerular zone undergoes certain reduction, while the glomerulo-reticular zone hypertrophizes. Electron microscopically it has been revealed: lack of the specific vesicular structure in the mitochondrial crists in the fascicular zone cells, an increased contents of myelin-like and vascular formations in mitochondria of the fascicular and reticular zones, a large amount of dark degenerating cells in the reticular zone, as well as a moderate amount of liposomes in corticocytes. Owing to these factors, it is possible to suggest an increased level of steroid processes in the lemming adrenal cortex.