A STUDY OF ADRENAL CORTEX MORPHOLOGY

Abstract

In our experimental studies on the physiology of the adrenal gland we looked for morphological criteria whereby we could determine the degree of activity and the state of exhaustion of the adrenal cortex.tThe accepted methods did not entirely meet critical analysis.Variations in the amount and distribution of lipoids seemed to depend too much upon the technique of fition and the care used in em- bedding and sectioning.The size and weight of the gland also proved to be of limited use in determining its functional state. MATERILS AND METHODSThe adrenal glands of normal frogs, mice, rats, guinea pigs, rab- bits, cats, dogs, monkeys and humans t have been studied as ref- erence controls.These form the basis for a determination of the changes taking place under abnormal conditions.The latter have been experimentally produced and also observed in naturally occur- ring infections.A variety of experimental procedures was under- taken in an effort to produce specific cortico-adrenal lesions.Among the substances used were bacterial toxins, thyroxin, parathormone, adrenalin, histamine, mercuric chloride, and extensive body burns were also employed.Although our own experimental material was prepared for micro- scopic examination by a variety of special techniques, the majority of adrenal glands which others have given us the opportunity to study were fixed in ordinary fixatives and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.A scheme of identification was gradually developed and tested with many series of "unknown" glands.