Aldosterone

Overview

Aldosterone, also called Aldocortin, is a Mineralocorticosteroid Corticosteroid Hormone synthesized and secreted by (the zona glomerulosa of) the Adrenal Cortex of the Adrenal Glands. Aldosterone plays an important role in fluid regulation and blood pressure and is a concern if it is high.

Biological Functions of Aldosterone

Cardiovascular System

 Aldosterone alleviates Hypotension (by increasing Blood Pressure).

Urinary System

 Aldosterone regulates Water Balance in the Kidneys (by causing Sodium retention and Potassium loss):

 Aldosterone binds to Mineralocorticoid Receptors located in the Cytoplasm of Cells in the collecting tubules of the Kidneys, where it promotes the resorption of Sodium from the Urine.

These Substances may Enhance the Function of Aldosterone

Hormones

 Angiotensin 2 (the activated form of Angiotensin) stimulates the release of Aldosterone from the Adrenal Glands:

  Caution:  Angiotensin 2 is directly implicated in Hypertension, due to its ability to cause vasoconstriction, leading to increased Blood Pressure.

Lipids

 Glycyrrhizin is structurally similar to Aldosterone and may mimic the actions of Aldosterone.