| Abstract: | The adrenal components of C. mrigala are embedded in the pronephric cephalic kidney around the post cardinal vein. The cortical cells responded positively to the lipids, ascorbic acid, delta 5-3 beta-HSD, G-6-PD, MAO, acid and alkaline phosphatase tests. The presence of intense MAO activity may suggest the possible involvement of monoamines in the adrenocortical function. Localization of lipids and delta 5-3 beta-HSD show the sites of corticosteroid synthesis. In the chromaffin cells, MAO, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity was moderate whereas they gave a strong reaction to ascorbic acid test in comparison to the cortical cells. Noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (A) storing cells were differentiated adopting glutaraldehyde silver, dichromate and iodate techniques. NA and A storing cells are almost totally depleted of their contents after reserpine treatment. The histochemical response of the adrenal gland of this species is largely comparable to that of higher vertebrates. |
