Studies on Cytogenesis in Adult Rat Adrenal Cortex: Circadian and Zonal Variations and Their Modulation by Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Circadian rhythms and zonal variations in the cell proliferation of adult rat adrenal cortex were studied by following the cells in the DNA-synthesizing stage (S-phase) as assessed by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation into the cell-nuclei and/or by visualizing proliferating cell nuclear antigen. The S-phase cells were observed throughout the day in two regions of the adrenal cortex: (i) a region from the inner half of the zona glomerulosa to near the outer margin of the zona fasciculata, and (ii) the outer one-fourth portion of the zona fasciculata. Very little change in number was observed in the former region between day and night, while a burst of cell proliferation occurred in early morning at 3-4 a.m. in the latter region. A prominent rise in the plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration preceded the burst of cell proliferation by about 4 h. Upon raising the plasma ACTH concentration by administration of ACTH or metyrapone, prominent cell proliferation also occurred in the same portion of the zona fasciculata 4-6 h after the provoked ACTH surge. Thus at least two sites in rat adrenal cortex are responsible for cytogenesis in this endocrine organ, and respond differentially to day/night cycles and circulating ACTH levels.