Adrenal stem cell niches are located between adrenal and renal capsules

Abstract

The human adrenal glands arise around the 4^th week of gestation and during the intrauterine life produce many substances that are responsible for the maintenance of fetal homeostasis and organ maturation. Stem cell niches represent the microenvironment suitable for life and replication of adrenal stem cells.
Adrenal gland stem cells have the capacity to self-renew and generate functional differentiated daughter cells that replenish lost cells. Morphologically the adrenal stem cells appeared as small, polymorphic cells, closed together, with basophilic nucleus, located between adrenal and renal capsules. This study was mainly based on a morphological and immunohistochemical approach, particularly on characterization and localization of the multiple stem/progenitor cells that contribute to the development of the human adrenal gland.

Proceedings of the 2^nd International Course on Perinatal Pathology (part of the 11^th International Workshop on Neonatology · October 26^th-31^st, 2015) · Cagliari (Italy) · October 31^st, 2015 · Stem cells: present and future
Guest Editors: Gavino Faa, Vassilios Fanos, Antonio Giordano