aldosterone, a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands . Aldosterone serves as the principal regulator of the salt and water balance of the body and thus is categorized as a mineralocorticoid. It also has a small effect on the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
What is the description of aldosterone?
Listen to pronunciation. (al-DOS-teh-rone) A steroid hormone made by the adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland). It helps control the balance of water and salts in the kidney by keeping sodium in and releasing potassium from the body.
What is the function of aldosterone?
Aldosterone is a steroid hormone. Its main role is to regulate salt and water in the body , thus having an effect on blood pressure.
What is the main target of aldosterone?
The kidney is known to be the major target for aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone synthesized in the adrenal cortex that acts on electrolyte transport in the distal nephron.
What is the source of the aldosterone and what is its function?
Aldosterone is produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. Understanding this hormone will help you understand your body better, and help you take measures to ensure optimal health. Aldosterone affects the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure .
Does stress increase aldosterone?
Release of ACTH leads to release of both cortisol and aldosterone. Psychological stress also activates the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system which stimulates rennin release leading to increases in angiotensin II and aldosterone secretion.
How does aldosterone affect the heart?
Aldosterone is also one factor involved in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis , which, together with myocardial cell death, may underlie progressive adverse myocardial remodelling. Evidence for a direct vascular effect of aldosterone suggests that this hormone may contribute to generalized vasoconstriction.
What is the medical term for aldosterone?
Aldosterone: A hormone produced by the outer portion (cortex) of the adrenal gland. Aldosterone regulates the balance of water and electrolytes in the body, encouraging the kidney to excrete potassium into the urine and retain sodium, thereby retaining water. It is classified as a mineralocorticoid hormone .
What happens when aldosterone levels are high?
Usually, aldosterone balances sodium and potassium in your blood. But too much of this hormone can cause you to lose potassium and retain sodium . That imbalance can cause your body to hold too much water, increasing your blood volume and blood pressure.
What makes aldosterone high?
Hyperaldosteronism can be caused by a benign (noncancerous) tumor on the adrenal gland . Another possible cause of hyperaldosteronism is hyperplasia (overactivity) of the adrenal glands. In some cases, hyperaldosteronism is an inherited condition.
How is the release of aldosterone controlled?
Aldosterone is controlled by the renin-angiotensin system , while the rest of the adrenal glands’ hormone production is controlled by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
How can I lower my aldosterone naturally?
- Eating a healthy diet. ...
- Exercising. ...
- Reducing alcohol and caffeine. ...
- Quitting smoking.
What should my aldosterone level be?
Reference ranges: Plasma aldosterone, supine position and normal sodium diet: 2-9 ng/dl (55 – 250 pmol/L) Plasma aldosterone, upright position (standing / seated for at least 2 hr) and normal sodium diet: 2 – 5x supine value. Urine aldosterone: 5 – 20 μmg/24 hr (14 – 56 nmol/24 hr)
Does aldosterone increase urination?
Aldosterone increases urine production and decreases apical AQP2 expression in rats with diabetes insipidus. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol.
Does aldosterone decrease urine output?
Because aldosterone is also acting to increase sodium reabsorption, the net effect is retention of fluid that is roughly the same osmolarity as bodily fluids. The net effect on urine excretion is a decrease in the amount of urine excreted , with lower osmolarity than in the previous example.
Does high aldosterone cause anxiety?
Primary aldosteronism is a natural model for chronic aldosterone excess in humans and associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression . Cognitive deficits are inherent to the symptomatology of depression and anxiety disorders. Mineralocorticoid receptors and aldosterone appear to play a role in memory.
