Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
Published on: October 2, 2018
[Cytologic mechanisms of postnatal growth of adrenal chromaffin tissue]
1Yaroslavl State Medical Academy, Russia.
Abstract:
We have studied the contribution of proliferation and hypertrophy of glandular cells to the ontogenetic growth of adrenal chromaffin tissue using several methods (organometry, cytometry, cytophotometric quantitation of DNA in the nuclei, radioautographic analysis of 3H-thymidine incorporation, calculation of the mitotic index and proportion of binuclear cells, as well as stereological analysis). Mitotic division of diploid glandular cells is the main cellular mechanism of postnatal growth of chromaffinocytes. It is most prominent during the first 2 weeks of life and is maintained at a rather high level throughout the life of animals (the daily proliferative pool in 6-month-old and 30-month-old rats equals 0.3%). Development of cellular hypertrophy has been noted during the first 6 months after birth. The population of chromaffinocytes throughout life is practically diploid; the proportion of tetraploid (binuclear) cells does not exceed 1-1.5%. The growth of adrenal chromaffin tissue during the first month of life is generally supported by hyperplasia and hypertrophy of norepinephrocytes and later of epinephrocytes. The contribution of cell proliferation and hypertrophy to postnatal growth of each subpopulation appears to be equal.
Related Concept Videos
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

