[Effect of heparin on the ultrastructure of the fascicular and reticular zones of the adrenal cortex of rats].

The effect of a prolonged use of heparin on the ultrastructure of the zona fasciculata and zona reticulosa of the adrenal cortex was studied in experiment. Heparin was injected subcutaneously to laboratory male rats at a daily dose of 5 mg/kg. The animals were decapitated on the 5th, 10th, 30th and 60th days after heparin administration, 20 and 50 days after 10-day use of the drug and 30 days after 30-day use. In the first days of use heparin stimulated the secretory activity of cells of the zona fasciculata and zona reticulosa of the adrenal cortex. The ultrastructure of the internal area of the zona fasciculata and zona reticulosa indicated the suppression of adrenocorticocytes during the use of heparin for 30 days. In 60-day administration of heparin the ultrastructure of adrenocorticocytes was closer to the control though in cells of the zona fasciculata the content of glycogen exceeded the normal one. In cancelling the drug the adrenal structure got back to normal rather slowly.