Knowra Aldosterone Aldosterone Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the adrenal cortex. It promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion, helping regulate extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure.
Mineralocorticoid receptor : A steroid hormone receptor activated chiefly by aldosterone and cortisol that regulates gene expression in target cells. Aldosterone binds this receptor to alter sodium and potassium transport in the kidney.
Primary aldosteronism : A disorder in which adrenal glands produce excess aldosterone independently of normal renin control. It demonstrates how autonomous aldosterone excess can cause hypertension and low potassium.
Adrenal cortex : The outer region of the adrenal gland that produces steroid hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens. Aldosterone is synthesized in this gland region’s outer zona glomerulosa.
Cortisol : A glucocorticoid steroid hormone that helps regulate metabolism, stress responses, and immune activity. It is produced by the same adrenal cortex but primarily regulates different physiological processes.
Epithelial sodium channel : A sodium-selective ion channel in epithelial cells that enables sodium absorption across kidney, lung, and other tissues. Aldosterone increases its activity in the kidney’s distal nephron, promoting sodium reabsorption.
Conn syndrome : Primary aldosteronism caused by an aldosterone-producing adrenal adenoma. This named subtype links a localized adrenal tumor to excess aldosterone secretion.
Zona glomerulosa : The outermost layer of the adrenal cortex, whose cells synthesize mineralocorticoids, chiefly aldosterone. This is the principal site of aldosterone production.
Corticosterone : A corticosteroid that serves as a glucocorticoid in many rodents and an intermediate in human steroid synthesis. Its adrenal origin and steroid structure can obscure its distinction from aldosterone’s mineralocorticoid role.
Sodium-potassium pump : A membrane enzyme that uses ATP to move sodium out of cells and potassium into them. Aldosterone increases pump activity in kidney cells, supporting sodium retention and potassium secretion.
Hypoaldosteronism : A condition of insufficient aldosterone production or action, often associated with hyperkalemia and sodium loss. It shows the electrolyte and volume consequences of too little aldosterone activity.
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