Adrenal cortical degeneration and regeneration following administration of DDD.

Degeneration and regeneration of canine adrenal cortical cells following DDD administration are described. The degenerative phase is rapid in onset and dose related. It is morphologically characterized by profound cytoplasmic vacuolation due to severe mitochondrial damage, disruption of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, autolysosomal response and lipid accumulation. Toxic necrosis with a mononuclear cell reaction and fibrosis also occurs. The regenerative phase consists of centripetal cellular regeneration, cellular repair and some residual damage. Several of the ultrastructural and biochemical findings are discussed in relation to the pertinent literature.