Comparative light and electron microscopic study of the adrenal gland of the snake.

A new method employing both comparative light and electron microscopic observations on the study of identical cell elements was described. This method was characterized by the use of thick Epon-embedded sections (0.3-1.5 micron thick) for both light and electron microscopy. The use of a high voltage electron microscope of 1,000 kV accelerating potential made this study possible. Two types of chromaffin cells were distinguished in the adrenal gland of the snake, Elaphe quadrivirgata. Adrenaline storing (A) cells were found to be filled with slightly irregular, larger electron-dense granules, whereas noradrenaline-storing (NA) cells contained smaller granules with an electron-dense content. It was found that the chromaffin cells of the snake possess axon-like cytoplasmic processes.