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Ultrastructure of Adrenal Glands in Sodium-deficient Pregnant Rats^1,2,

Division of Biological Health and Department of Biophysics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802

The ultrastructure of the zona glomerulosa of the rat adrenal was studied in nonpregnant and pregnant animals receiving either adequate or restricted sodium intakes. Data on weight gain and food intake, hematocrit value and plasma sodium and potassium concentrations, histological observations, and the reproductive performance of pregnant animals were used in interpreting ultrastructural findings. Striking ultrastructural characteristics distinguished cells from the sodium-restricted pregnant animals from those of the other experimental groups. In particular, there were numerous lysosomes, autophagic vacuoles and cytoplasmic vacuoles devoid of cellular material. These pathological cellular changes should be considered in evaluating the practice of prescribing sodium-restricted diets during normal human pregnancy.

² Supported in part by National Institutes of Health Grant HDO1212 and in part by Biomedical Sciences Support Grant FR-7082-04 from the General Research Support Branch, Division of Research Resources, National Institutes of Health.

³ Submitted to the Graduate School, The Pennsylvania State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Manuscript received 17 February 1971.