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Aldosterone and its mechanism of action: more questions than answers
Author(s) -
Fuller PETER J.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 0004-8291
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1995.tb02884.x
Subject(s) - aldosterone , mineralocorticoid receptor , mineralocorticoid , amiloride , endocrinology , medicine , epithelial sodium channel , steroid hormone , hypoaldosteronism , receptor , hormone , mechanism of action , blood pressure , biology , sodium , chemistry , biochemistry , renin–angiotensin system , in vitro , organic chemistry
The physiology of the steroid hormone, aldosterone is well defined. The molecular events that mediate this response remain to be elucidated. Aldosterone binds to a specific mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in sodium transporting epithelia. The structural determinants of ligand‐binding have been explored through the analysis of steroid resistance syndromes, however, the molecular basis of resistance to aldosterone, pseudo‐hypoaldosteronism remains an enigma. Cortisol also binds MR, access is however restricted by the enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The MR induces specific genes which regulate apical amiloride‐sensitive epithelial sodium channels; the finding of activating mutations in Liddles syndrome (pseudoaldosteronism) has emphasised their key role. Such mechanisms may apply not only to the peripheral effects of aldosterone but also to the central regulation of blood pressure.