[Experimental studies on possible biological effects of ultrasonic diagnosis: ultrastructural analysis of rat embryo]

Within the limits of a systematic research on the biological effects of the ultrasounds, the authors refer on their personal experience on rat's embrions treated, for 120 seconds, with a ultrasonic beam having the common characteristics used in diagnostic investigations. The ultra-structural studies on the hepatic parenchyma substantially confirm the previous results obtained in the adult cavy, exposed for the same period of time, i.e. a diffuse cytoplasmic vacuolization and an unstable mitochondrial damage. Various suggestions are advanced on the particular sensibility that the mitocondria show because of the ultrasonic action. The authors explain the limits of their experimentation in this specific sector of the scientific research.