Ultrastructural morphology of the dorsal lobe of the prostate gland in cadmium and zinc-treated rats

Abstract

We have demonstrated in previous study that the nucli of the cells of the posterior lobe of the prostate gland sequesters less zinc in cadmium and zinc treated rats compared to the normal ones. In this study we will evaluate if the variation in the nuclear zinc concentration is associated with a concomitant variation in ultrastructural morphology. Two groups of animals were injected with 2mg/kg and 10 mg/kg cadmium chloride and zinc sulfate, respectively. Another group served as control. Dorsal lobe of the prostate gland from the three groups were prepared for conventional E.M study. Grids were examined and photographed by Hitachi-700 electron microscope.Figure (1) shows prostatic cells from the posterior lobe of the prostate gland of a normal rat. The rough endoplasmic reticulum form a narrow continuous cisternae, most abundant at the lateral portion of the cell and sometimes acquired whorl-shaped appearance. Well-developed Golgi apparatus with abundant secretory vesicles are shown.