Ultrastructural studies on the effects of Korean Panax ginseng on the theca interna of rat ovary.
An investigation was conducted to delineate the fine structure of steroid-producing ovarian theca interna cells following administration of Korean Panax ginseng to rats for 60 days. The cytoplasmic changes were observed in the ginseng-treated theca interna cells, increased number, size and density of the mitochondria, and increased size of the smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, the rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. The nucleus and nucleolus were slightly enlarged and increased numbers of dense bodies were seen whereas lipid droplets were decreased in number. The changes may result from hyperfunction of the steroid-producing cells. Morphologic changes seen may represent stimulating effects on the steroid-producing cells of the theca interna in ginseng-treated animals.
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006056:Golgi Apparatus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007723:Korea; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009929:Organ Size; D005894:Panax; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D051381:Rats; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D010936:Plant Extracts