Description
Key facts
Sample types:Urine, Plasma, Serum,
Reacts with:Mammals, Rat, Mouse, Human,
Sensitivity:= 4.7 pg/mL,
Range:3.9 - 250 pg/mL
Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions--20°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions-Multi, Storage information-Please refer to protocols
Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Aldosterone sometimes called aldosteron or aldo sterone is a steroid hormone with a molecular weight of approximately 360 Da. It is synthesized and secreted by the adrenal cortex specifically in the zona glomerulosa which is the outermost layer. The production of aldosterone involves a series of enzymatic actions converting cholesterol into progesterone and eventually forming this mineralocorticoid hormone. Its expression is facilitated by the circadian rhythm and influenced by plasma potassium levels and the renin-angiotensin system.
Biological function summary
Aldosterone plays an essential role in regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure by increasing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidney's distal tubules and collecting ducts. As part of a system with other hormones like cortisol and aldosterone it modulates the body's fluid and electrolyte equilibrium. Through binding and activating the mineralocorticoid receptor aldosterone adjusts ion transport in epithelial and non-epithelial tissues impacting processes like fluid retention and blood pressure maintenance.
Pathways
Aldosterone significantly influences the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the sodium-potassium pump. The RAAS is critical in maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance where aldosterone works closely with angiotensin II and renin. Within this pathway aldosterone promotes sodium reabsorption leading to water retention and its action is closely tied to the function of the sodium-potassium pump which further regulates cellular ionic balance and impacts systemic vascular resistance.
Aldosterone is associated with conditions such as hyperaldosteronism and hypertension. In hyperaldosteronism excessive aldosterone levels cause high blood pressure and hypokalemia due to increased sodium and water retention. This condition often results from adrenal gland abnormalities that affect aldosterone production. Proteins related to this disorder through the RAAS include angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensinogen highlighting the interplay between aldosterone and these components. Additionally aldosterone has links to congestive heart failure where its overactivity can exacerbate fluid overload worsening cardiac function.
