[Ultrastructure of the adrenal medulla and blood catecholamine levels after exposure to thermal injury].

A task was set to carry out electron microscope analysis of the adrenal gland medullary component and to compare with the biochemical data determinations of blood catecholamines during the burn shock. It was found that the response of the sympatho-adrenal system was phasic in character. During the erectile state of burn shock the elimination of adrenaline and noradrenaline took place, while during the torpid one further release of the granule content occurred exclusively on account of adrenaline. The distinctive moment of this period is intensification of the synthetic processes. It should be emphasized that the holocrine type of secretion prevailed after the burn, and just the latter led to the exhaustion of the adrenal medulla. Burn disease is characterized by processes coursing in the direction of restoration; however, catecholamine synthesis and secretion were less intensive than in healthy animals.