US EPA

4119611 

Journal Article 

Electron microscopic study of myocardial changes produced in rats by the concurrent administration of 9-alpha-fluorocortisol, Na2HPO4 and corn oil 

Kovacs, K; Blascheck, JA; Gardell, C 

1969 

Yes 

Cardiologia (Rome, Italy)
ISSN: 0393-1978 

HEEP/72/07267 

54 

1 

16-29 

HEEP COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Fragmentation of myofibrils and vacuolization of mitochondria with disruption of cristae were noted. Electron-dense bodies formed in the mitochondria and myelin figures became apparent. There was an accumulation of lipid droplets between the mitochondria and a dilatation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Intra- and extracellular edema was observed. During the later phases, the myofibrils and the mitochondria transformed into homogenous masses with marked deposition of electron-dense bodies. Since mitochondrial damage did not precede the myofibrillary lesions and fluid accumulation in the myocardial cells and extracellular spaces, the mitochondrial changes are neither primary nor specific manifestations of cellular injury. Similar mitochondrial damage occurs in other pathological conditions unrelated either to phosphate-steroid administration or K deficiency. The most important factor in the pathogenesis of myocardial necrosis is an increase in membrane permeability, resulting in or arising from an intracellular electrolyte imbalance, i.e., a change in intracellular osmolarity.