ABSTRACT
Accumulations of mercury have been demonstrated in adrenal glands by light and electron microscopy with a highly sensitive histochemical technique. Rats were exposed to methyl mercury in drinking water (20 mg/l) for 7-180 days, or were given intraperitoneal injections of methyl mercury (daily dose 100 or 200 micrograms). The amount and location of the mercury deposits were dependent upon the exposure time, the method of administration and the amount administered. In rats exposed to methyl mercury in drinking water, accumulations were often observed in both the zona glomerulosa and reticularis. They appeared first in the zona glomerulosa of animals treated for 1 week. In the zona fasciculata, deposits were observed only in the animals treated for 50 to 180 days. In animals treated for 180 days the cytoplasm of the cells in the zona fasciculata was heavily vacuolated and distinct necrotic cells were observed in other cortical zones. In the chromaffin cells, a slight increase in the amount of deposits was observed with increasing exposure time. Both epinephrenic and norepinephrenic cells contained deposits. Only a few deposits were observed in the cortical and chromaffin cells of animals treated with intraperitoneal injections. Ultrastructural deposits were observed in the lysosomes of cortical cells and in both lysosomes and secretory granules of chromaffin cells.
Subject(s)
Adrenal Glands/ultrastructure , Mercury/analysis , Methylmercury Compounds/metabolism , Administration, Oral , Adrenal Glands/analysis , Animals , Injections, Intraperitoneal , Methylmercury Compounds/administration & dosage , Organoids/analysis , Rats , Rats, Inbred Strains , Tissue DistributionABSTRACT
A histochemical study was performed to determine the cellular localization of selenium in the adrenals from rats exposed to sodium selenite, as these organs were known to obtain the highest concentration in the rats. Male rats were treated either with 1-15 mg of sodium selenite for 14 days to 6 months in the drinking water, or with 1-20 mg as intraperitoneal injections. Selenium was shown to accumulate in both norepinephrenic and epinephrenic cells in a dose-dependent fashion. After oral exposure most deposits were found in the epinephrenic cells, whereas the norepinephrenic cells contained most in the injected animals. Fourteen days after a single injection (4 mg/kg), deposits could still be observed in the granules of the chromaffin cells. At the ultrastructural level, accumulations were primarily found in the chromaffin granules and to a lesser extent in the lysosomes. Selenium may possibly form bonds to endogenous zinc in the adrenals as has been suggested for the brain.
Subject(s)
Adrenal Glands/ultrastructure , Selenium/analysis , Selenium/pharmacology , Adrenal Glands/analysis , Animals , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Epinephrine/analysis , Male , Rats , Rats, Inbred Strains , Selenious Acid , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Complications of leukemia that required surgery in twenty-five patients over a five year interval were reviewed. Sixteen patients with chronic leukemia underwent a total of twenty-one operations with one operative death. Nine patients with acute leukemia required ten operations, with two operative deaths. These patients tend to have specific types of complications that are particular to leukemic patients, and with proper support the majority of these patients can be benefited.
