The endocrine glands in Pompe's disease. Report of two cases

Pompe's disease (type II glycogenosis), an infantile form of generalized glycogenosis, is characterized biochemically by deficiency of lysosomal acid alpha-1,4-glucosidase and morphologically by intralysosomal glycogen storage in multiple organs, notably the central nervous system, heart, liver, and skeletal muscles. The endocrine system has not been described in detail in the literature. In two infants with Pompe's disease, intralysosomal glycogen was identified in the adrenal cortex and medulla, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pancreatic islets, and pituitary gland. Of special interest is the severe glycogen accumulation in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal glands.     

Nonrandom positioning of Golgi apparatus in pancreatic B cells

The Golgi apparatus has a polarized distribution in a variety of cell types, and in certain epithelia its intracellular position correlates with the direction of vectorial transport and release of secretory products. We have studied quantitatively the orientation of the Golgi apparatus in pancreatic islet B cells by examining its location with respect to the juxtacapillary face of the cell. This was done a) at the light microscope level on semithin sections of osmium-impregnated islets, and b) at the ultrastructural level on thin sections of intact pancreas. The data obtained with both methods show that in pancreatic B cells the Golgi apparatus is preferentially located in the position opposite to the juxtacapillary face of the cell. These results suggest a structural polarization of B cells, which may be important for the coordinate function of islets of Langerhans.     

Adrenal cortex in experimental carcinogenesis of the intestine]

Morphological and histochemical examinations of the adrenal cortex of 150 rats with intestinal carcinogenesis caused by 1,2-dimethylhydrasine, and comparison of the results with control results in 20 intact rats showed the latent period to occur against the background of atrophic changes in the cortical matter consisting in a decrease in the adrenal weight, narrowing of the cortical matter, decreasing diameter of the secretory cells nuclei, accumulation of lipids and cholesterol in zona fasciculata and zona reticulosa, and decreased content of ascorbic acid. In contrast, the period of tumour growth within the intestinal mucosa coincides with hypertrophic changes in the adrenal cortex. In extensive cancer, the intensity of these hypertrophic changes increased, and dystrophically changed cells and micronecroses appeared.     

Interrenal cell zonation in the adrenal gland of the goose (Anser anser)

The adrenal medulla in mammalian species is surrounded by a cortex that contains three distinct layers, whereas the cortex and medulla are intermingled in poultry species. The objective of the present study was to determine the distinct zonation changes in the adrenal cortex of geese in various ages using both electron and light microscopy. Adrenal glands were obtained from French Geese (Anser anser) under deep ether anesthesia at posthach day 1, 5, 10, 21 and 30 (n= 5 per day). The cytoplasm of interrenal cells located beneath the adrenal capsule (sub-capsular zone, SCZ) were stained lighter than that of interrenal cells located inside the adrenal gland (inner zone, IZ) and contained several vacuoles for each sampling day. Additionally, unlike IZ cells, SCZ cells contained nuclei that were various shapes and surrounded by irregularly arranged membranes, lipid droplets which were not surrounded by a membrane, mitochondria with mostly shelf-like cristae. The arrangement of SCZ cells appears similar to that of zona glomerulosa and also the arrangement of IZ cells to that of zona fasciculata of mammalian adrenal cortex, suggesting the significant signs of zonation in goose adrenal cortex.     

Light and electron microscopic radioautographic studies on RNA synthesis in aging mouse adrenal gland.

Ultrastructural observation and radioautographic studies were carried out to detect aging changes of RNA synthesis in the adrenal glands of mice from fetal day 19 to postnatal 12 months by light and electron microscopic radioautography after 3H-uridine incorporation. The ultrastructural features of the cells at embryonic stages were not developed. The cell organelles appeared more developed at early postnatal stages. The organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria with tubular or vesicular cristae and lipid droplets were more frequently observed in the cytoplasm of the cells in the 3 zones of the cortex and the medulla at later postnatal and senescent stages. The activity of RNA synthesis of adrenal glands, as expressed by grain counting per unit area as well as per cell, was the highest in the cortex and medulla at fetal day 19, and then gradually decreased with aging. The silver grains were electron microscopically localized over the nucleoli, euchromatin, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes and mitochondria of the cells in the 3 zones of the cortex and the medulla. The number of mitochondria per cell, the number of labeled mitochondria per cell and the mitochondrial labeling indices increased along with aging. These results demonstrated the aging changes of RNA synthesis in the adrenal glands of mice.     

重症急性胰腺炎大鼠肾上腺病理及超微结构变化

目的:观察重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)大鼠肾上腺皮质的病理和超微结构变化。方法:采用5%牛磺胆酸钠逆行胰管注射法建立SAP模型,分别于术后3、12、24h测定血淀粉酶,观察胰腺、肾上腺皮质病理变化,透射电镜观察12h肾上腺皮质束状带细胞超微结构。结果:SAP造模成功后,血淀粉酶、胰腺病理评分进行性升高。3h时肉眼见肾上腺包膜轻度水肿,并逐渐加重,24h最为明显;3h肾上腺组织出现血窦扩张,12h可见肾上腺组织水肿、腺体结构轻度破坏、少量炎性细胞浸润,24h肾上腺皮质部分细胞变性及出血性坏死,腺体结构破坏严重;12hSAP大鼠肾上腺皮质束状带细胞超微结构损伤和分泌功能降低等改变。结论:随着SAP病情进展,肾上腺组织病理及超微结构损害加重。肾上腺功能减退可能与其病理、超微结构损伤有关。     

The cell population in pancreatic islets of amphisbaenidae — a light and electron microscopic study

A diversity of cell types have been found in the pancreatic islets of three species of Amphisbaenidae in a light and electron microscopic investigation. The A cells have been characterized as having phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin and orange G positive secretory granules which are electron opaque and 450–500 mμ, in diameter. The B cells possess aldehyde fuchsin reactive granules which are slightly larger than A granules, approximately 550 mμ, and have a variety of profiles in the electron microscope. The D cells are characterized as being fast green positive and argyrophilic in the light microscope, and in the electron microscope have small, 200–300 mμ, secretory granules with a core of moderate electron opacity. In D cells the Golgi apparatus is more highly developed than in A or B cells. Bipes islets contain a presumptive fourth cell type possessing large secretory granules with irregular profiles and focal internal densities. An additional cell type, found in Amphisbaena manni and Bipes, has small, electron opaque granules.     

ULTRASTRUCTURAL ZONATION OF THE HUMAN ADRENAL CORTEX

Electron microscopic observations of sections from adrenal cortex obtained from a twenty-four-year-old male with hypertension were made. In the zona glomerulosa the cells showed a large nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. The mitochondria had a dark matrix and plate-like inner structure. The agranular endoplasmic reticulum revealed a close association with lipid granules. The Golgi apparatus was prominent and frequently accompanied by centrioles. Free ribosomes were abundant. The zona fasciculata can be subdivided into two layers. In the outer layer the cells are characterized by numerous large lipid granules. Two kinds of mitochondria are discernible; one with a pale matrix and tubulo-vesicular or vesicular inner structure and the other with a dark matrix and tubulo-vesicular or lamelllform cristae. In the inner zona fasciculata and reticularis there are two types of cells besides the dark cells. The type 1 cells have a compact cytoplasm, elliptic or irregularly shaped mitochondria with a dark matrix and tubulo-vesicular or vesicular internal structure. The type 2 cells are large and ovoid, having a clear transparent cytoplasm. The mitochondria are numerous having a clear matrix and almost exclusively vesicular inner elements. Abundance in agranular endoplasmic reticulum, decreased lipid granules, and cytoplasmic incisions are common in both the inner fasciculata and reticularis. In addition the zona reticularis is characterized by increased number of dark cells, numerous pigment bodies, and the appearance of huge mitochondria.
On the basis of these observation were discussed the significance of the organelles in steroid biosynthesis, mode of hormone secretion, and cyto-genesls in the adrenal cortex.     

HISTOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX IN SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS WITH HIGH SALT SOLUTION

The response of the adrenal cortex In weanling Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR, OKAMOTO and AOKI) and Wistar-Kyoto Rats (WKR) when given 1% NaCl In drinking water was studied histochemically and electron microscopically. The development of hypertension was accelerated in SHR given 1% NaCl in drinking water. The thickness of the zona glomerulosa In WKR receiving 1% NaCl in drinking water remarkably diminished following the course of experiment and lipid droplets In the zona glomerulosa decreased gradually. The zona glomerulosa cells revealed shrinkage of the cells and a decreased number of mitochondrial crlstae were observed at three weeks of experiment. The remaining tubular crlstae of mitochondria possessed a milled outline. Golgi apparatus became small and fragmental. Membrane -bounded dense bodies were prominent in the peripheral portion of the cell and around Golgl apparatus. In SHR given 1% NaCl in drinking water, the width of the zona glomerulosa less diminished. A marked decrease in number and size of lipid droplets was seen. However, there was no distinct alteration of cytoplasmic organelles. These morphological changes were discussed from the standpoint of functional state In the zona glomerulosa with relation to the development of hypertension in SHR.     

The adrenal cortex in spontaneously hypertensive rats. A quantitative ultrastructural study.

The adrenal cortex of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) has been examined by quantitative morphologic techniques for electron microscopy. The volume and surface area of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the volume of Golgi apparatuses in zona glomerulosa cells of SHR was significantly greater than those of Wistar-Kyoto strain (W/KY) normotensive controls; the volume of lipid droplets and nucleus was significantly less in SHR than in W/KY animals. A stimulation of the zona glomerulosa in SHR may well be attributable to the elevation in systolic blood pressure. A distinct lipid-free subglomerulosa was observed in the adrenal gland of W/KY rats; the cell volume was similar to that of the zona glomerulosa although the cells showed a significantly greater volume of mitochondria and surface area of mitochondrial membranes and greater volume of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes. In the zona fasciculata, cell volume, volumes and surface area of mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and volume of lipid droplets were significantly lower in SHR than in W/KY rats. The volume of the Golgi apparatus was greater in SHR than in W/KY rats. Glycogen particles were observed in focal areas of some zona fasciculata cells. The adrenal cortex of another strain of normotensive Wistar rat (W/CFN) was compared with that of the W/KY and SHR. Although the relative adrenal weights of SHR and W/KY animals were identical, the weight of that in W/CFN was significantly smaller. The volume of the zona glomerulosa of SHR was significantly greater than that of W/KY although the volume of the zona glomerulosa in W/CFN was significantly greater than the other two groups. The volume of nucleus and lipid droplets of zona glomerulosa in W/KY was significantly greater than that in the S/CFN; the volume of the cell, mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets, and lysosomes, and the surface area of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membranes of W/KY animals was significantly greater than those of W/CFN animals. It is concluded that the W/CFN rat is not an appropriate control for spontaneously hypertensive rats.     

Co-localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivities in the nerve fibers of the rat adrenal gland

The co-localization of Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) with Neuropeptide Y (NPY) or its C-flanking peptide (C-PON) was investigated with immunocytochemistry methods in the adrenal gland of the rat. Most of the VIP immunoreactive (+) nerve fibers found in the capsule/glomerular zone also exhibited NPY or C-PON immunoreactivity (IR). We found that at least two populations of VIP varicose nerve fibers can be observed, the most prevalent exhibited both VIP/NPY or VIP/C-PON IR and the other which was rather scarce lacked NPY or C-PON IR. In the superficial cortex VIP/NPY or VIP/C-PON IR nerve fibers were often associated with capsular or subcapsular vascularization and extended into the zona glomerulosa. In the deeper layers of the adrenal cortex radial fibers were closely associated with the inner vascularization of the zona fasciculata and reticularis. In the adrenal medulla NPY or C-PON immunoreactivity was associated with ganglion neurons as well as chromaffin cells; these last cells were always VIP (-). VIP and NPY/C-PON IR could be co-localized in catecholaminergic nerve terminals of the adrenal cortex but not in the adrenal medulla.     

ff1b, the SF1 ortholog, is important for pancreatic islet cell development in zebrafish

The adrenal cortex and pancreatic islets have endocrine functions, producing steroid-based hormones and insulin, respectively. Cells of the adrenal cortex originate in the mesoderm while the cells of pancreatic islets originate in the endoderm. The zebrafish is a powerful model for understanding organ development due to its ease of genetic and molecular manipulation, transparent embryos, and large number of progeny for statistically powerful experiments. Like humans, the zebrafish pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions; unlike humans, there is only one endocrine islet cell group, instead of multiple islets. Using an eGFP-transgenic line of zebrafish, we have observed that the steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) ortholog, ff1b, which is critical for adrenal cortex development and function in the zebrafish, is also implicated in zebrafish pancreatic islet development. We show that interruption of ff1b expression using an ff1b-morpholino (MO) disrupts development of insulin expressing cells. We conclude that ff1b-MO alters pancreatic islet development in zebrafish, demonstrating the utility of the zebrafish as a model for studying pancreatic development. This work is consistent with previous studies in mouse and human that have suggested SF1 participates in the vascular and ductal development of the pancreas, and disruption of SF1 function leads to abnormal development of the pancreatic islets due to poor vascularization.     

人胎儿肾上腺的组织发生

用光镜、透射电镜观察了４例胚、９０例胎，４例新生儿肾上腺。结果表明，７周胚已可分辨胎儿皮质和永久皮质，１５周时永久皮质开始分化，出生时初级球状带和束状带已形成，网状带未出现；７周时神经嵴细胞开始迁入肾上腺，１３周时髓质形成，嗜铬细胞出现，１６周时交感神经节细胞出现，出生时仍有少量神经嵴细胞向肾上腺内迁移。     

Ultrastructural features of medullary chromaffin cell cultures

The ultrastructural organization on the fourth day of culture of chromaffin cells isolated from the bovine adrenal medulla was characterized based on electron microscopic and morphological analysis. We established that medullary chromaffin cells could be divided into four morphologically different subtypes. Most cells (49.1% of those examined) had a dense cytoplasm and fine dense granules. Cells with dense cytoplasm and large granules represented a second type of chromaffin cell (21.1%). Cells of the third type had a light cytoplasm, granules with a light halo and a well-developed Golgi apparatus (26.3%). The fourth type of chromaffin cell was characterized by moderately dense cytoplasm with well-expressed varicose rough endoplasmic reticulum (about 3.5%). Among concomitant cell types, cortical adrenal cells from the zona fasciculata and zona glomerulosa, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, brown lipoblasts and glial Schwann cells were present. Morphological analysis implies that cells with dense cytoplasm and fine granules and those with light cytoplasm and haloed granules (75.4% in total) are adrenaline-containing cells, whereas the cells with dense cytoplasm and large granules (26.3%) contain noradrenaline. Cells with moderately dense cytoplasm and varicose reticulum share common morphological properties with classical glandular cells and, by their properties, were closer to noradrenaline-containing cells.It is concluded that chromaffin cells, which are the main cell type among cultured cells from adult bovine adrenal medulla, are morphologically quite heterogeneous. Other cell types of different nature may also be present in the culture and can locally influence the properties of the investigated medullary chromaffin cells used in electrophysiological experiments.     

Structure and dynamics of adrenal mitochondria following stimulation with corticotropin releasing hormone

The mitochondria of rat adrenals were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively in different functional states of the adrenal cortex. Following stimulation of the animals with corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), the corticosterone serum levels reached a maximum 1 hour after stimulation with CRH. The amount of inner mitochondrial membrane within the zona fasciculata increased showing a biphasic time course, with a first maximum 2 hours and a second maximum 8 hours after stimulation. In contrast, a significant rise of mitochondrial volume occurred only 24 hours after CRH stimulation. Therefore, the dense vesicularization of mitochondrial cristae may constitute an early process to enhance the steroidogenic capacity of these cells. Within cells of the transition zone between zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata, we could depict a special type of mitochondria with characteristic crescent-like cristae only seen after stimulation with CRH. This type of mitochondria may represent an intermediate form between mitochondria of zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata underlining the impressive transformational capacity of adrenocortical mitochondria. After hypophysectomy, zona fasciculata cells contained mitochondria with tubular inner membranes, representing a hypofunctional state. In contrast, the hypofunctional state after hypophysectomy and the hyperfunctional state after stimulation of the adrenal cortex via CRH injection did not appear to correlate with the morphology of mitochondria from the zona reticularis and adrenal medulla.© Willey-Liss, Inc.     

Adrenal gland: structure, function, and mechanisms of toxicity

The adrenal gland is one of the most common endocrine organs affected by chemically induced lesions. In the adrenal cortex, lesions are more frequent in the zona fasciculata and reticularis than in the zona glomerulosa. The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones with a 17-carbon nucleus following a series of hydroxylation reactions that occur in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Toxic agents for the adrenal cortex include short-chain aliphatic compounds, lipidosis inducers, amphiphilic compounds, natural and synthetic steroids, and chemicals that affect hydroxylation. Morphologic evaluation of cortical lesions provides insight into the sites of inhibition of steroidogenesis. The adrenal cortex response to injury is varied. Degeneration (vacuolar and granular), necrosis, and hemorrhage are common findings of acute injury. In contrast, chronic reparative processes are typically atrophy, fibrosis, and nodular hyperplasia. Chemically induced proliferative lesions are uncommon in the adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla contains chromaffin cells (that produce epinephrine, norepinephrine, chromogranin, and neuropeptides) and ganglion cells. Proliferative lesions of the medulla are common in the rat and include diffuse or nodular hyperplasia and benign and malignant pheochromocytoma. Mechanisms of chromaffin cell proliferation in rats include excess growth hormone or prolactin, stimulation of cholinergic nerves, and diet-induced hypercalcemia. There often are species specificity and age dependence in the development of chemically induced adrenal lesions that should be considered when interpreting toxicity data.     

大鼠肾上腺的NADPH,NPY,CGRP,SP,c—fos细胞化学特性

目的 探讨肾上腺内分泌组织和神经组织的双重组织学特性。方法 组织化学和免疫组织化学技术,在光学显微下观察ＮＡＤＰＨ、ＮＰＹ、ＣＧＲＰ、ＳＰ、ｃ－ｆｏｓ在大鼠肾上腺的分布。结果 肾上腺皮质分布有ＮＰＹ阳性神经细胞和神经纤维、ＣＧＲＰ阳性神经纤维;肾上腺髓质分布有ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ阳性神经细胞和神经纤维、ＣＧＲＰ阳性神经纤维、ＳＰ阳性神经纤维、ｃ－ｆｏｓ阳性神经细胞和神经纤维。肾上腺皮质球状带、网状带、束状带细胞均ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ阳性,髓质部分嗜铬细胞ＮＡＤＰＨ－ｄ阳性,部分嗜铬细胞ＮＰＹ阳性,部分嗜铬细胞ＣＧＲＰ阳性,部分嗜铬细胞ＳＰ阳性。结论 大鼠肾上腺接受广泛的非经典递质的神经支配,特别是肽能神经支配的肾上腺实质细胞及髓质嗜铬细胞,能分泌多种神经肽物质。提示肾上腺的内分泌活动不仅受到复杂的神经调节而且也受到自身的活     

Structure and dynamics of adrenal mitochondria following stimulation with corticotropin releasing hormone.

The mitochondria of rat adrenals were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively in different functional states of the adrenal cortex. Following stimulation of the animals with corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), the corticosterone serum levels reached a maximum 1 hour after stimulation with CRH. The amount of inner mitochondrial membrane within the zona fasciculata increased showing a biphasic time course, with a first maximum 2 hours and a second maximum 8 hours after stimulation. In contrast, a significant rise of mitochondrial volume occurred only 24 hours after CRH stimulation. Therefore, the dense vesicularization of mitochondrial cristae may constitute an early process to enhance the steroidogenic capacity of these cells. Within cells of the transition zone between zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata, we could depict a special type of mitochondria with characteristic crescent-like cristae only seen after stimulation with CRH. This type of mitochondria may represent an intermediate form between mitochondria of zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata underlining the impressive transformational capacity of adrenocortical mitochondria. After hypophysectomy, zona fasciculata cells contained mitochondria with tubular inner membranes, representing a hypofunctional state. In contrast, the hypofunctional state after hypophysectomy and the hyperfunctional state after stimulation of the adrenal cortex via CRH injection did not appear to correlate with the morphology of mitochondria from the zona reticularis and adrenal medulla.     

Differential expression and function of beacon in the rat adrenal cortex and medulla

Beacon gene is overexpressed in obese rats, and beacon was found to stimulate food intake. Evidence has been recently provided that beacon is also expressed in the endocrine glands of normal rats, including adrenal cortex, of which it appears to regulate secretory activity. To further characterize the role of beacon in the rat adrenals, we investigated the level of beacon expression in the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG), zona fasciculata-reticularis (ZF/R) and medulla (AM), and the in vitro secretory responses to beacon[47-73] (hereinafter, beacon) of adrenocortical and adrenomedullary tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed similar high levels of beacon mRNA in the ZG and ZF/R, and significantly lower (-80%) levels in AM. Immunocytochemistry showed that the distribution of beacon protein followed that of beacon mRNA. Quantitative high pressure liquid chromatography demonstrated that beacon (5x10(-7) M) reduced by about 56% the in vitro total steroid-hormone production from ZG and ZF/R tissues, without affecting catecholamine secretion from AM specimens. The beacon-induced lowering in the secretory activity of adrenal cortex depended on similar reductions (from 50-64%) in the production of the main adrenocortical hormones (pregnenolone, progesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, 18-hydroxy-corticosterone and aldosterone), thereby suggesting an inhibitory action of beacon in the early step of steroidogenesis (i.e. the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone). The hypothesis is advanced that beacon is to be considered an autocrine-paracrine negative regulator of mineralo- and glucocorticoid synthesis in the rat adrenal gland.     

Functional and structural changes in the adrenal cortex of rabbits with chronic prostatitis

Investigation of the state of the adrenal cortex of rabbits during inhibition of the internal secretory activity of the testes caused by chronic inflammation of the prostate gland revealed progressive hyperplasia of the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex, whereas the zona glomerulosa showed no marked pathological changes and the zona fasciculata showed hypoplasia. Consequently, a normal or increased excretion of androgens observed in the experimental males, despite a reduction in the synthesis of testosterone in the testes, is maintained by increased activity of the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex.Laboratory of Physiology and Pathomorphology, Khar'kov Scientific-Research Institute of Endocrinology and Hormone Chemistry. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR L. T. Malaya.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 83, No. 3, pp. 276–277, March, 1977.