[Comparison of subcellular changes in the adrenocortical glomerular zone induced by heparin and its diuretic effect]

The experiments were carried out on 420 non-inbred male rats. Heparin was injected subcutaneously in doses of 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg a day. The animals were decapitated on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 30th and 60th day after the drug administration, as well as 20 and 50 days following 10-day heparin injection and 30 days after 30-day use of the drug. Changes, developed in the adrenocortical glomerular zone after a long-term heparin administration, were studied by means of light and electron microscopy. Morphological data were compared with the changes, that occurred in spontaneous diuresis and the running water- and saline-induced diuresis or natriuresis. The initial heparin-produced ultrastructural changes in the adrenocortical glomerular zone cells indicate the hormone synthesis and release activation, accompanied by a decrease in spontaneous diuresis and natriuresis and the development of high renal sensitivity to antidiuretic hormone. Morphological signs of a decrease in the glomerular zone hormone-forming cell activity are seen in the adrenals after prolonged heparin use (by the 10th day). Spontaneous diuresis proportion continuously rises but does not correlate with natriuresis. The renal response to antidiuretic hormone changes and sensitivity to adrenaline are reduced. From the 30th day the cholesterol depot tends to gradual restoration. Ultrastructural of the adrenocortical glomerular zone returns to normal quite slowly after the drug withdrawal.