Microscopical study on the age related changes in the adrenal gland of male albino rat

ABSTRACT

In this work, twenty-four male albino rats were studied at [5-6] months of age [adult group] and at [23-24] months [aged group]. Light microscopic examination of aged animals revealed degenerative changes in some cells of zona fasciculata together with mononuclear cellular infiltration. Areas of necrosis were detected in zona fasciculata of some animals. Dilatation and congestion of sinusoidal capillaries were seen in zona fasciculata. Nodule like structures were detected among the cells of zona fasciculata of some animals. Marked increase in ascorbic acid and lipid contents was detected in inner cortical zone. In adrenal medulla, there was an apparent decrease in the number of norepinephrine secreting cells. Morphometric study revealed a significant increase in the mean thickness of zona fasciculata of the aged animals. Ultrastructural study showed that some cells of zona fasciculata of the aged animals had irregular nuclei. Disruption and loss of inner mitochondrial structure were seen in some zona fasciculata cells. In adrenal medulla, norepinephrine secreting cells showed degenerative change with decrease in the number of secretory granules