In VitroEffects of ACTH, Angíotensíns, Serotonin and Potassium on Steroid Output and Conversion of Corticosterone to Aldosterone by Isolated Adrenal Cells

Adrenal cells have been prepared, using crude collagenase, from the separated capsular and decapsulated portions of adrenals from intact rats. Microscopic examination and consideration of steroid outputs suggest that preparations from decapsulated glands consist of zona fasciculata-reticularis cells, while those from capsular glands consist mainly of zona glomerulosa cells with some zona fasciculata contamination. The yield of cells from the 2 preparations was of the order of 2 ×105 cells/adrenal for decapsulated glands and 1 ×lO5/adrenal for capsular glands. The endogenous output of 18-OH B, aldosterone, 18-OH DOC and corticosterone from the incubations of capsular and decapsulated gland cells has been examined. Three of the 4 steroids are produced by both types of cells; aldosterone production is virtually confined to capsular gland cells. The effect of ACTH, angiotensins, potassium and serotonin added in vitro on the output of corticosterone by decapsulated gland cells and that of corticosterone and al...