Autoradiographic study of the incorporation of tritiated cholesterol into the zona reticularis of the rat adrenal cortex

Summary In the zona reticularis of the rat adrenal cortex three types of cells are to be observed: light, dark, and very dark cells. A time study of the incorporation of cholesterol-3H into these elements has been made. The data obtained from autoradiographic study are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that the light cells are elements in active steroido-synthesis, the dark cells are resting elements, and the very dark cells are elements in degeneration.The authors wish to thank Mr. G. Gottardo for his technical assistance.