Mineralocorticoid: Difference between revisions
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= Mineralocorticoid = | |||
[[File:Aldosterone-2D-skeletal.svg|thumb|right|200px|Chemical structure of aldosterone, a primary mineralocorticoid.]] | |||
Mineralocorticoids are | |||
'''Mineralocorticoids''' are a class of [[steroid hormones]] that are essential for the regulation of [[electrolyte]] and [[water balance]] by promoting the retention of [[sodium]] and the excretion of [[potassium]] in the [[kidneys]]. The most well-known mineralocorticoid is [[aldosterone]]. | |||
== Function == | == Function == | ||
Mineralocorticoids play a crucial role in maintaining [[blood pressure]] and [[fluid balance]] in the body. They act primarily on the [[distal tubules]] and [[collecting ducts]] of the [[nephron]] in the kidneys, where they increase the reabsorption of sodium ions and water, while promoting the excretion of potassium ions. This action helps to increase blood volume and blood pressure. | |||
== Mechanism of Action == | |||
Mineralocorticoids bind to the [[mineralocorticoid receptor]], a type of [[nuclear receptor]] found in the cytoplasm of target cells. Upon binding, the hormone-receptor complex translocates to the cell nucleus, where it influences the transcription of specific genes that regulate ion transport. | |||
== Regulation == | |||
The secretion of mineralocorticoids is primarily regulated by the [[renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system]] (RAAS). When blood pressure is low, the kidneys release [[renin]], which leads to the production of [[angiotensin II]], a potent vasoconstrictor that stimulates the secretion of aldosterone from the [[adrenal cortex]]. | |||
== | == Synthesis == | ||
[[File:Steroidogenesis.svg|thumb|left|300px|Pathway of steroidogenesis, showing the synthesis of aldosterone.]] | |||
Mineralocorticoids are synthesized in the [[zona glomerulosa]] of the adrenal cortex. The synthesis begins with [[cholesterol]], which is converted into [[pregnenolone]] and then into [[progesterone]]. Progesterone is further converted into [[11-deoxycorticosterone]], which is finally converted into aldosterone. | |||
== | == Clinical Significance == | ||
Abnormalities in mineralocorticoid function can lead to various disorders. [[Hyperaldosteronism]], characterized by excessive production of aldosterone, can cause [[hypertension]] and [[hypokalemia]]. Conversely, [[hypoaldosteronism]] can lead to [[hyperkalemia]] and [[hypotension]]. | |||
== | == Synthetic Mineralocorticoids == | ||
[[File:Fludrocortisone.svg|thumb|right|200px|Chemical structure of fludrocortisone, a synthetic mineralocorticoid.]] | |||
Synthetic mineralocorticoids, such as [[fludrocortisone]], are used in the treatment of conditions like [[adrenal insufficiency]] and [[orthostatic hypotension]]. Fludrocortisone mimics the action of aldosterone and helps in maintaining sodium balance and blood pressure. | |||
== Related Pages == | |||
* [[Aldosterone]] | |||
* [[Adrenal cortex]] | |||
* [[Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system]] | |||
* [[Hypertension]] | |||
* [[Electrolyte imbalance]] | |||
[[Category:Steroid hormones]] | |||
[[Category:Endocrinology]] | [[Category:Endocrinology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:23, 21 February 2025
Mineralocorticoid[edit]
Mineralocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that are essential for the regulation of electrolyte and water balance by promoting the retention of sodium and the excretion of potassium in the kidneys. The most well-known mineralocorticoid is aldosterone.
Function[edit]
Mineralocorticoids play a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. They act primarily on the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the nephron in the kidneys, where they increase the reabsorption of sodium ions and water, while promoting the excretion of potassium ions. This action helps to increase blood volume and blood pressure.
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Mineralocorticoids bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor, a type of nuclear receptor found in the cytoplasm of target cells. Upon binding, the hormone-receptor complex translocates to the cell nucleus, where it influences the transcription of specific genes that regulate ion transport.
Regulation[edit]
The secretion of mineralocorticoids is primarily regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). When blood pressure is low, the kidneys release renin, which leads to the production of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that stimulates the secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex.
Synthesis[edit]
Mineralocorticoids are synthesized in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. The synthesis begins with cholesterol, which is converted into pregnenolone and then into progesterone. Progesterone is further converted into 11-deoxycorticosterone, which is finally converted into aldosterone.
Clinical Significance[edit]
Abnormalities in mineralocorticoid function can lead to various disorders. Hyperaldosteronism, characterized by excessive production of aldosterone, can cause hypertension and hypokalemia. Conversely, hypoaldosteronism can lead to hyperkalemia and hypotension.
Synthetic Mineralocorticoids[edit]
Synthetic mineralocorticoids, such as fludrocortisone, are used in the treatment of conditions like adrenal insufficiency and orthostatic hypotension. Fludrocortisone mimics the action of aldosterone and helps in maintaining sodium balance and blood pressure.
