Ultrastructure of the adrenal zona glomerulosa in children with renovascular hypertension

Abstract

This paper describes the ultrastructure of the adrenal zona glomerulosa in two children in whom renovascular hypertension was associated with elevated plasma renin activity. A striking finding in both is an increase in the numbers of membrane-bound dense bodies resembling primary lysosomes. Increased smooth endoplasmic reticulum was observed in some cells in both patients. These findings are similar to those in a case of an aldosterone producing tumor. Straight tubular cristae were also observed in many mitochondria of one of the patients. A most intriguing finding in one of our patients was the presence of socalled “corticomedullary cells” in the corticomedullary junction, in the zona glomerulosa, and in capsular vascular spaces. The significance of the “corticomedullary cells” is discussed. Correlation of the findings in experimental animal models with this human material is attempted, particularly with regard to sites of action of angiotensin in the pathogenesis of hypertension.