| aldosterone | <endocrinology, hormone> A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, that controls salt and water balance in the kidney. Abnormally high levels of this hormone cause sodium retention, high blood pressure, heart rhythum irregularities and possibly paralysis (18 Nov 1997) |
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| aldosterone antagonist | An agent that opposes the action of the adrenal hormone aldosterone on renal tubular mineralocorticoid retention; these agents, e.g., spironolactone, are useful in treating the hypertension of primary hyperaldosteronism, or the sodium retention of secondary hyperaldosteronism. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aldosterone antagonists | Compounds which inhibit or antagonise the biosynthesis or actions of aldosterone. (12 Dec 1998) |
| receptors, aldosterone | Cytoplasmic proteins that specifically bind aldosterone and mediate its cellular effects. The aldosterone-bound receptor acts in the nucleus to regulate the transcription of specific segments of DNA. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system | The hormones, renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone work together to regulate blood pressure. A sustained fall in blood pressure causes the kidney to release renin. This is converted to angiotensin in the circulation. Angiotensin then raises blood pressure directly by arteriolar constriction and stimulates adrenal gland to produce aldosterone which promotes sodium and water retention by kidney, such that blood volume and blood pressure increase. (05 Mar 2000) |
| hormone, aldosterone | Hormone produced by the outer portion (cortex) of the adrenal gland that regulates the balance of water and electrolytes (ions such as potassium and sodium) in the body. Aldosterone encourages the kidney to excrete potassium into the urine and to retain sodium, thereby retaining water. Aldosterone is classified as a mineralocorticoid hormone. (12 Dec 1998) |