Functional Zonation of the Human Adrenal Cortex with Special Reference to Hyperadrenocorticism and Aging Process, and Its Significance in Pathology

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Abstract
Applying the theory of functional zonation to the histopathology of human adrenals, the author reported the existence of the zona glomerulosa adulta in human adrenal cortex, and its aldosterone production and secretion. Hyperplasia and adenoma of this zone found in aldosteronism could be histologically distinguishable from those found in Cushing''s and adreno-genital syndrome. They also could likewise be demonostrated in essential hypertension. The author interpreted the latter case as an excessive manifestation of physiological senescence of the adrenal cortex. The author investigated functional zonation of the adrenal cortex in reference to aging process of the individuals through the entire lifetime. In children and senile persons, whose fasciculata, the primary reacton zone to stress, was physiologically narrow, the adrenal cortex was easily subjected to primary or secondary exhaustion and the patients died of collapse. The author could clarify the significance of eventual cortical dysplasia of the youth and the adult in the sense of premature senescence, and its important role in preparing unfavourable conditions, which were otherwise only found in children and senile persons.