Sex differences in adrenocortical structure and function. IX. Stereologic studies on the effects of gonadectomy and testosterone or estradiol replacement on adrenal cortex of adult male and female hamsters
Malendowicz, L.K.; Kasprzak, A.; Nikicicz, H.
Zeitschrift für Mikroskopisch-Anatomische Forschung 96(1): 91-102
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-3107 PMID: 7102038 Document Number: 191543
Adrenal glands of adult male hamster are heavier than those of females and this sex difference depends primarily on the greater number of adrenocortical cells and their larger size in the male gland. The aim of the study was to explain the relationship between the sex hormones and the structure of adrenal cortex of male and female hamsters. Orchidectomy lowered the adrenal weight, an effect partially reversed by testosterone. Changes induced by orchidectomy were found mainly in fasciculata and reticularis zones; after testosterone replacement the volume of the former did not differ from control males. Removal of testes lowered the volume of individual zona reticularis cell; after testosterone administration the volume of these cells did not differ from control males. Neither ovariectomy nor estradiol replacement has a distinct effect on the above mentioned parameters in female adrenal cortex. In both sexes gonadectomy lowered the total number of adrenocortical cells and this effect is not restored to normal by 12 days at testosterone or estradiol action. The sex dimorphism in the size and structure of hamster adrenal cortex depends on the stimulatory action of testosterone on the gland while estradiol has no distinct effect on parameters studied.