Determination of the numerical density of spherical and ellipsoidal particles in the zona glomerulosa, based on distribution measurements. II. Application of the methods.

Stereologic investigations of the adrenal zona glomerulosa of rats were carried out in control, potassium loaded and heparin treated animals. The nuclei of the cells were considered as spheres, and the mitochondria as prolate (= elongated) ellipsoids of revolution. Size and shape distribution, numerical densities and mean volumes of particles were calculated. Control measurements were performed in order to test the acceptability of estimation errors. These stereologic methods proved to be suitable in experimental studies.