The prenatal development of the organ of Zuckerkandl in rats.

The effect of maternal glucocorticoid depletion upon the fetal development of the organ of Zuckerkandl (OZ) in rats was determined. Maternal hypophysectomy at 13d8h gestation resulted in a fifty percent decrease in plasma corticosterone levels at 18d8h when compared to both sham operated and unoperated controls. No differences in the volume of the OZ among the three groups of animals were found. The chromaffinity of the OZ was decreased in the hypophysectomized and sham operated groups suggesting a stress-induced depletion of catecholamine stores. The data suggests that the OZ participates in fetal sympathoadrenal activity and that its development is independent of maternal corticosterone titers.