[Juxtaglomerular cells after removal of the submandibular glands in male mice: quantitative electron microscopy (author's transl)]

Abstract

The juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney were studied qualitatively and quantitatively on the 7th and 49th day after removal of the bilateral submandibular glands at 60 days of age in male mice. In normal mice, the juxtaglomerular cells contained numerous specific granules. The Golgi apparatus was not well developed and the rough endoplasmic reticulum was generally flat and short in profile. At 7 days after extirpation of the submandibular glands, the specific granules were sparsely distributed, the Golgi apparatus was relatively prominent, and the rough endoplasmic reticulum was dilated and increased in amount. At 49 days after operation, the specific granules were increased in number, and the Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum were as prominent as at 7 days. The volume ratios of the nucleus, specific granules, Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria were examined by quantitative electron microscopy. After operation, the volume ratio of specific granules was significantly decreased at 7 days, but was increased at 49 days. The volume ratios of Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum were significantly increased at both 7 and 49 days after operation. The volume ratios of nucleus and mitochondria showed no significant difference from those in normal and sham-operated mice. The volumes of adrenal cortex and medulla at 49 days after operation were also examined by quantitative microscopy. They were not significantly different from those in normal mice.