Adrenal stem cell niches are located between adrenal and renal capsules

The human adrenal glands arise around the 4th 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.