Unusual mitochondrial morphology in the rat adrenal cortex following hypophysectomy

Unusually long and thin mitochondria (3–4 μ in length and 0.2–0.4 μ in width) were observed in zona fasciculata cells in the hypophysectomized rat adrenal cortex. The elongated mitochondria assumed C‐shape configurations and were frequently in juxtaposition to each other and to lipid droplets. These mitochondrial organizations were considered to be unstable, dependent on the presence of trophic hormone and involved in the formation of bizarre membranous bodies. The relationship of these observations to the process of glandular involution is discussed.