JUXTA-ADRENAL CORTICAL CELL NESTS OR NODULAR FORMATION IN THE YOUNGERGENERATION - WHAT DOES IT MEAN

The number and size of juxta-adrenal cortical cell nests or nodular fo rmation (JACN) and their histology were examined in autopsy material f rom 255 successive subjects of various ages (from fetuses to elderly p atients). The study of number and size showed that JACN occurred signi ficantly more frequently among subjects aged 0-year-old (0Y0) to 10Y0 (p < 0.01) than among other age soups. The study of numbers within eac h nodular size range (large nodular formations [LNF; nodules with a mi nor axis measuring 0.25 mm or more] and small nodular formations [SNF; smaller than LNF]) showed that the number of SNF and the SNF to LNF r atio decreased according to age, while the number of LNF remained rela tively constant. Immunohistochemical examination of proliferating adre nal cortical cells using the mouse anti-human antibody MIB-1 demonstra ted many positive cells in subjects with many JACN, No nodular prolife ration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone positive cells occurred in the adenohypophysis. Fibrous thickening of the adrenal capsule increased g radually with age or medication. JACN was very frequently observed amo ng subjects with conditions such as asplenic syndrome, acute lymphocyt ic leukemia and Down's syndrome. These data suggest that JACN might be an anatomic variant but that certain factors could increase the size and number of JACN after birth.