Histocytological specificities of adrenal cortex in the New World Monkeys, Aotus lemurinus and Saimiri boliviensis

J Vet Med Sci. 2016 Jan;78(1):161-5. doi: 10.1292/jvms.15-0290. Epub 2015 Aug 28.

Abstract

The New World monkey Aotus spp. (night monkeys) are expected for use of valuable experimental animal with the close species of Saimiri spp. (squirrel monkeys). Saimiri is known to show spontaneous hypercortisolemia, although few reports in Aotus. We compared basic states of blood steroid hormones and histological structure of the adrenal glands in two monkeys. Serum cortisol and ACTH levels were statistically lower in Aotus than Saimiri. Conversely, Aotus adrenocortical area showed significant enlargement, especially at the zona fasciculata. Electron microscopic observation at Aotus fasciculata cells revealed notable accumulation of large lipid droplets and irregular shapes of the mitochondrial cristae. These results suggest potential differences in cellular activities for steroidogenesis between Aotus and Saimiri and experimental usefulness in adrenocortical physiology and pathological models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex / anatomy & histology*
  • Adrenal Cortex / cytology
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Animals
  • Aotidae / anatomy & histology*
  • Aotidae / blood
  • Estradiol / blood
  • Female
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Microscopy, Electron / veterinary
  • Progesterone / blood
  • Saimiri / anatomy & histology*
  • Saimiri / blood
  • Zona Fasciculata / anatomy & histology
  • Zona Fasciculata / cytology

Substances

  • Progesterone
  • Estradiol
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone