The Aldosterone reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Aldosterone

Aldosterone is a steroid synthesized in the mid-section of the adrenal cortex of the adrenal gland. It is the sole endogenous member of the class of mineralocorticoids. It helps regulate the body's electrolyte balance by acting on the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR).

Unlike neuroreceptors, classic steroid receptors are located inside of cellss. The aldosterone/MR receptor binds to hormone response elements (HRE) of the DNA that alter protein synthesis and the transcription of messenger RNA, including serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase, channel-inducing factor, K-ras2A, and three subunits of the epithelial sodium channel. These genes are important for transepithelial sodium transport.

Aldosterone is synthesized in reaction to increases of angiotensin II or plasma potassium, which are present in proportion to sodium deficiencies.

Enzymes synthesize aldosterone from cholesterol in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex.

Aldosterone and the kidney

Control of aldosterone release

• The role of baroreceptors
• The role of the juxtaglomerular apparatus
• The role of sympathetic nerves
• The role of the renin-angiotensin system

This is the "Aldosterone" reference article from the English Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. See also our Disclaimer.