Quantitative study on the effect of an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor on the ultrastructure of the mouse adrenal gland.
The ultrastructure of the adrenal cortex was studied by quantitative stereologic techniques in LAF1 mice bearing a transplantable, ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor (AtT). The tumor stimulated a significant increase in volume and surface area of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membranes in all three zones of the adrenal cortex. Concomitantly, plasma corticosterone was increased significantly in tumor-bearing animals. The AtT was an adenoma of the chromophobe type. Continuity of the nuclear membrane with the rough endoplasmic reticulum was readily observed in tumor parenchymal cells.
D000238:Adenoma, Chromophobe / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology*; D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006729:Hormones, Ectopic; D008566:Membranes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D006729:Hormones, Ectopic; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D003345:Corticosterone