[Effect of adrenal function on breast development in the female]

Adrenal and mammary glands were investigated postmortem in 186 young or mature girls as well as in nulliparous women who suddenly died from injuries. The levels of mammary gland development was assessed with regard to their mass, the percentage of fibrous tissue and with regard to mathematically processed cartographic data on sectional histo-topography. Cytometry and karyometry of glomerular and reticulo-fascicular zones of adrenal glands were performed. A total estimation of adrenal glands activity was determined by a cumulative morphofunctional index. Morphofunctional relationship of adrenal and mammary glands was studied in females aged 8-25. The study revealed that accelerated development of mammary glands in 12-16-year-old persons was accompanied by increased activity of adrenal cortex while in those aged 22-25 it was followed by the enlargement of adrenal gland mass and size of fasciculo-reticular zone without any essential alterations of other morphofunctional parameters.