<Dd> The expression of neuron - specific proteins in the zona glomerulosa cells of human adrenocortical tissues has been predicted and reported by several authors and it was suggested that the expression of proteins like the neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in the cells of the zona glomerulosa reflects the regenerative feature of these cells, which would lose NCAM immunoreactivity after moving to the zona fasciculata . However, together with other data on neuroendocrine properties of zona glomerulosa cells, NCAM expression may reflect a neuroendocrine differentiation of these cells . </Dd> <Dl> <Dt> Zona fasciculata </Dt> <Dd> Situated between the glomerulosa and reticularis, the zona fasciculata is responsible for producing glucocorticoids, such as 11 - deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and cortisol in humans . Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid under normal conditions and its actions include mobilization of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, but it does not increase under starvation conditions . Additionally, cortisol enhances the activity of other hormones including glucagon and catecholamines . The zona fasciculata secretes a basal level of cortisol but can also produce bursts of the hormone in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary . </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> Situated between the glomerulosa and reticularis, the zona fasciculata is responsible for producing glucocorticoids, such as 11 - deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and cortisol in humans . Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid under normal conditions and its actions include mobilization of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, but it does not increase under starvation conditions . Additionally, cortisol enhances the activity of other hormones including glucagon and catecholamines . The zona fasciculata secretes a basal level of cortisol but can also produce bursts of the hormone in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary . </Dd> <Dl> <Dt> Zona reticularis </Dt> <Dd> The inner most cortical layer, the zona reticularis produces androgens, mainly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEA - S), and androstenedione (the precursor to testosterone) in humans . </Dd> </Dl>

The middle layer of the adrenal cortex secretes