The ultrastructure of adrenocortical cells after intake of drinking sulfate- and boron-containing mineral waters (experimental study)

Abstract

The present experimental study with the use of electron microscopy has shown that intake of sulfate mineral water (sulfate concentration: 2.2 g/l, mineralization: 3.9 g/l) by rats enhanced structural and functional reserves of their adrenocorticocytes. In contrast, intake of highly mineralized water containing large amounts of boron (concentration: 250 mg/l, mineralization: 10.6 g/l) resulted in reduced structural and functional reserves of adrenocortical cells; accordingly, their adaptive capacity decreased. The authors attribute these changes to the development of local destructive processes in selected cellular ultrastructures.