Aldosterone Function
Aldosterone gives signals to some particular organs including our kidneys and colon, to increase the amount of sodium in our blood. On the other hand, aldosterone regulates the amount of potassium that needs to be released with our pee. Aldosterone is the endogenous member of the mineralocorticoids of the human body. Let us discuss the working mechanism of aldosterone in which it performs the Na+ and water retention and, reduces the plasma K+ concentration in detail.
Sodium Retention
Aldosterone performs the reabsorption of the Na+ ion in the distal convoluted tubules or DCT by collecting the ducts of nephrons. The process of reabsorption happens through the activated ENaC sodium channels and sodium-potassium ATPase pumps.
Water Retention
Aldosterone increases the osmotic gradient in the process of sodium retention. The water flows in the direction of sodium through the aquaporin channels that are present in the renal tubes. This process leads to the water retention in our body.
Potassium Excretion
Aldosterone also increases the potassium or K+ ion secretion process into our urine. It stimulates the renal outer medullary potassium channels in the major cells of different collecting ducts and decreases the potassium concentration in plasma.
Here are the process reactions of the Na+ and water retention and, K+ concentration as mentioned below.
Na+ (Present in urine) + Aldosterone -> Na+ (Reabsorbed into the blood)
H2O (Present in urine) + Aldosterone -> H2O (Reabsorbed into blood)
K+ (Present in blood) + Aldosterone -> K+ (Removed from the body through urine)
Read More: Mechanism of Urine Formation
Aldosterone
Aldosterone is secreted by the outer layer of the adrenal cortex which is known as zona glomerulosa. Aldosterone’s function is to regulate sodium homeostasis to control blood volume and pressure. This hormone is an essential component for sodium conservation in our kidneys, different salivary glands, sweat glands, and colon. Indirectly it helps to maintain the pH balance of our blood with the electrolyte levels. In this article, we are going to discuss the functions, synthesis, and effects of aldosterone in detail.
Table of Content
- Aldosterone Hormone
- Aldosterone Function
- Sodium Retention
- Water Retention
- Potassium Excretion
- Synthesis Process of Aldosterone
- Factors Affect Aldosterone Synthesis
- Concusion – Aldosterone
- FAQs on Aldosterone