Zona reticularis
Layers of cortex.
Gray's	subject #277 1278

The zona reticularis is the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex, lying deep to the zona fasciculata and superficial to the adrenal medulla. The cells are arranged cords that project in different directions giving a net-like appearance (L. reticulum - net)^[1].

Cells in the zona reticularis produce precursor androgens including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione from cholesterol^[2]. DHEA is further converted to DHEA-sulfate via a sulfotransferase, SULT2A1^[3]. These precursors are not further converted in the adrenal cortex as the cells lack 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Instead, they are released into the blood stream and taken up in the testis and ovaries to produce testosterone and the estrogens respectively.

In humans the reticularis layer does contain 17 alpha-hydroxylase which hydroxylates pregnenolone which is then converted to cortisol by a mixed function oxidase. In rodents too, the lack of 17alpha-hydroxylase results in the synthesis of corticosterone instead of cortisol as in the human.

adrenal gland (zona reticularis layer).

[edit] External links

• Histology at BU 14502loa
• Anatomy Atlases - Microscopic Anatomy, plate 15.292 - "Adrenal Gland"