Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in rat adrenal gland zones

The distribution of cyclic 3′, 5′ -nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in the rat adrenal gland has been studied. Phosphodiesterase activity was 10-fold higher in the zona glomerulosa than in the zona fasciculata-reticularis. Kinetic studies carried out at low substrate concentrations suggest the possible presence of multiple forms of phosphodiesterase activity in both zones of the adrenal; however, these forms appear to have similar apparent Km's for cAMP. Thus, the well known differences in the steroidogenic response of the two zones to ACTH stimulation may be partially explained by large differences in total activities of the various forms of phosphodiesterase.