Aldosterone:
This is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex (See: Adrenal Cortex). It is a mineralocorticoid and a steroid hormone. Its functions are to regulate blood pressure, and maintain the balance of electrolytes. It conserves sodium in the salivary glands, colon, sweat glands, and the kidneys. It acts on the tubes of the nephrons of the kidneys and aids in the reabsorption of sodium. It also assists in the excretion of potassium. It is an essential part of the renin-angiotensin system. Many hypertensive medications act on this hormone to reduce the blood pressure. Some of the disorders of aldosterone include autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, Addison’s disease, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
