Normal and Pathologic Anatomy of the Adrenal Gland of the Mouse, Including Neoplasms

Abstract

This paper reviews publications on the adrenal gland of the mouse and includes observations and comments based on my own experience. The major emphasis is on studies made with the light microscope on untreated mice from various inbred strains commonly used in the laboratory. To publish all the references I have accumulated on the adrenal gland of the mouse would not be feasible or profitable, but I have attempted to include and discuss papers that first described an anatomical finding or pathologic lesion and the most recent and comprehensive papers. I also include photomicrographs of selected adrenal structures and neoplasms. Although much has been published on this subject, the material is widely scattered and no recent general summary is available. However, the present paper should be used only as a guide, because anyone working with laboratory mice should make observations directly from treated and untreated mice of inbred strains used in his own experiments. Because of the many variations, no morphologic description applicable to all strains, at all ages, under all conditions can be given.