THE EFFECT OF ALTERED SODIUM OR POTASSIUM INTAKE ON THE WIDTH AND CYTOCHEMISTRY OF THE ZONA GLOMERULOSA OF THE RAT’S ADRENAL CORTEX¹

Abstract

The cortex of the rat’s adrenal gland is divided morphologically into three major zones. The appearance of the cells and the width of the outer two zones, the glomerulosa and fasciculata, can be altered in different physiological states. Thus, the zona fasciculata enlarges and its cells appear active in conditions eliciting an increased production of adrenotropin, which stimulates the release of the cortical “sugar” factors. On the other hand, this zone shrinks and becomes inactive after hypophysectomy. Either change may occur without apparent alteration in the activity of the glomerulosa (Deane and McKibbin, 1946; Deane and Greep, 1946). The present paper will describe experiments indicating that the outer zone, the glomerulosa, undergoes morphological and cytochemical changes in physiological states that involve disturbance of the electrolyte balance of the body. These changes may occur without any demonstrable alteration of the fasciculata. Moreover, they develop in hypophysectomized as well as in intact rats.