DMBA, Hypertension and Impaired Adrenal Mitochondrial Differentiation

Mitochondria containing reduced numbers of vesicles and electron-lucent matrices were observed more frequently in adrenal cortices from hypertensive rats previously exposed to dimethylbenz(α)anthracene. The triad of exposure to DMBA, development of hypertension, and the occurrence of structurally immature adrenal cortical mitochondria may provide the basis for a form of adrenal regeneration hypertension. However, persistence of structurally abnormal mitochondria long after exposure to the carcinogen, is remarkable. A carcinogen-induced defect in cellular response to ACTH, and/or an abnormality in the cytoplasmic synthesis of proteins required for normal mitochondrial development are among two of a number of possible explanations.