[Effect of gonadectomy on juxtaglomerular cells in mice: qualitative and quantitative electron microscopy (author's transl)]

Abstract

Effect of gonadectomy on juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney was examined by qualitative and quantitative electron microscopy. Mice were gondectomized at 25 or 60 days of age and examined at 110 days of age. For quantitative analysis, the volume ratios of nucleus, specific granules, Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria to cell were obtained stereologically. 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. In males castrated at 25 days, the specific granules were significantly increased in amount. In male castrated at 60 days, the specific granules were increased in amount, and the Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum were well developed. Crystalline granules were frequently seen around the Golgi area. In females, ovariectomy caused no significant change in juxtaglomerular cells.