Effect of hypoxia on the fine structure of the catecholamine-storing cells of the human fetal paraganglia.

Abstract

The functional role of human fetal catecholamine-storing tissues was studied using an extracorporeal perfusion of human fetuses combined with electron microscopy. Severe hypoxia lasting 10–15 min caused an extensive loss of the dense cores of the catecholamine-storing granules of the paraganglionic cells. The degree of electron opacity of the catecholamine granules varied greatly after exposure to hypoxia: the high electron opacity of the control material changed into reticular structures of a different density or into a complete lack of electron opaque material. The dense core was also often present but it was partially dissolved forming a typical circular zone within the vesicle. The limitations of the technique and possible importance of the findings are discussed.