A Biochemical Investigation of the Functional Zonation of the Adrenal Cortex in Man

Abstract

The zones of human adrenal cortices have been separated by slicing and their chemical composition and steroid biosynthetic activity in vitro examined. Cells of both the reticular and fascicular zones show similar steroid 11β-hydroxylating activity. “Clear” cells of the zona fasciculata alone show a significant increase in steroid biosynthesis on stimulation with ACTH. Theories of the functional zonation of the adrenal cortex in man are discussed in the light of these and other findings.