Enzyme histochemical and ultrastructural studies in human adrenal glands of normal and anencephalic fetuses.

In order to confirm the functional status of adrenal gland in human anencephalic fetuses, an enzyme histochemical and ultrastructural approach was used to study the adrenocortical cells of normal and anencephalic human fetuses. In the adrenal gland of the anencephalic fetuses (32nd, 34th and 36th week of gestation), enzyme histochemical activities of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase was weaker than those in normal human fetuses (20th and 26th week of gestation). Ultrastructurally, a large number of lipid droplets, rough endoplasmic reticulum, tubular or vesicular profiles of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria with poorly developed cristae were noted in the cytoplasm. In addition, Golgi complexes and microvilli were very poorly developed. Based on these findings, functional aspects of the adrenal gland in anencephalic fetuses were discussed.