Thezona reticularis (sometimes,reticulate zone) is the innermost layer of theadrenal cortex, lying deep to thezona fasciculata and superficial to theadrenal medulla. The cells are arranged cords that project in different directions giving a net-like appearance (L. reticulum - net).[1]
In humans, the reticularis layer does contain17α-hydroxylase; this hydroxylates pregnenolone, which is then converted to cortisol by a mixed function oxidase. Deficiency of 17α-hydroxylase results in low blood levels of estrogens, androgens, and cortisol, and the resultant compensatory increases in adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulates the production of11-deoxycorticosterone andcorticosterone.[7] Inrodents, the lack of 17α-hydroxylase results in the compensatory synthesis ofcorticosterone instead ofcortisol.[8]
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