From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-11-11 02:57:49 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] third adrenal glands
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <15395733.1036983469548.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Okay - not wanting to single out anyone here, but ferrets only get two adrenal glands - there are genes called the homeobox genes which regulate the develop of organs in either a bilaterally symmetrical fashion (2 lungs, two ears, two eyes), or not (1 heart, one brain, etc.) Mutation of these genes, as would be necessary to produce a whole new organ (and our would be likelier than three) generally is incompatible with life.
Now ferrets have large amounts of ectopic adrenocortical tissue scattered throughout the abdomen (25-30% or possibly even higher). It can beome hyperplastic, and may even result in adrenal disease in animals which have previously undergone successful bilateral adrenalectomy. However, it does not possess the medullary tissue (site of adrenaline production), nor the large ganglion (neural tissue) associated with a "true adrenal gland."
So endeth the anatomy lesson.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM