With histochemical and ultrastructural methods, we observed the changes of the rat adrenal cortex 30 min, 2 h and 6 h after scalding of 30% body surface. It was showed that AKP, SDH and MAO activities in the adrenal cortex were increased and lipid was decreased 30 min and 2 h after scalding. SDH and MAO activities in some cells of the zona fasciculata and reticulans of the adrenal gland were decreased 6 h after scalding. These results combined with that of electron microscopic observations imply that the functions of the adrenal cortex cells, especially that in the zona fasciculata and reticularis were strengthened after scalding. The relationship between morphology and function in the zona fasciculata and reticularis after scalding is also discussed.

The present study was designed to investigate the ultrastructural changes of Sertoli cells of rat testis following gossypol administration at a dosage of 30 mg/kg/day for 4～6 weeks. Results indicate that 4 weeks after gossypol treatment, a series of ultrastructural changes concerning with phagocytic activity such as increased in amount of lysosomes, lipid droplets, ring or cup shaped mitochondria as well as the multiform changes of mitochondria and lysosomes were evident in the Sertoli cell. However, by 6 weeks after treatment, the Sertoli cells became "inactive" and began to show degenerative changes: distension and vesiculization of endoplasmic reticulum, accumulation of lipid droplets, cellular debris and lysosomes in varying sizes and phases, and the occurrence of atrophic changes of mitochondria. The nature of these changes in Sertoli cells following gossypol treatment and its significance was discussed.

Effect of scalding on secretory function of beta-endorphin neuron in the arcuate nucleus of the rat hypothalamus was studied semiquantitatively using immunocytochemistry and image analysis. The results showed that the number of beta-endorphin neurons and area of positive products reduced significantly (P