Histological Investigations of Adrenals and Ganglion Solare in “Ekiri”

Abstract

Endocrine organs of 16 cases of “ekiri” were histologically investigated. The principal findings were found in the adrenals. Thymus and hypophysis were also damaged.
The adrenal findings consisted in hyperemia, hemorrhage, necrosis, atrophy and dissociation of cortex cells, decrease or disappearance of lipid, or Keto-steroid.
Ganglion solare was histologically investigated in 6 cases of “ekiri” and one case of septic dysentery. Degenerative atrophy was found in ganglion cells, which led us to the conclusion that the peripheral sympathic nervous system was involved in “ekiri”.
Some cases demonstrated changes in adrenal as well as in ganglion solare, showing almost the same severity, so that the influence of vegetative nervous system on the adrenal might be assumed.
Adrenal insufficiency was regarded as a factor in the developmental mechanism of “ekiri”.