Aldosterone is a steroid hormone which is secreted from the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland. It has a mineralocorticoid activity and is the most important regulator of plasma potassium. When plasma potassium increases increased stimulation of aldosterone occurs directly and as a result of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS). It is also the most important regulator of sodium excretion.
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===Introduction===
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Aldosterone is a steroid hormone which is secreted from the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland. It has a mineralocorticoid activity and is the most important regulator of plasma potassium. When plasma potassium increases increased stimulation of aldosterone occurs directly and as a result of [[Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System|Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)]]. It is also the most important regulator of sodium excretion.
===Release===
===Release===
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* Its release is inhibited by Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
* Its release is inhibited by Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
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* Most increases in the concentration of aldosterone however can be explained by increases in the '''Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System''' and therefore angiotensin 2 and/or by increases in K<sup>+</sup> concentration
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* Most increases in the concentration of aldosterone however can be explained by increases in the [[Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System|'''Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System''']] and therefore angiotensin 2 and/or by increases in K<sup>+</sup> concentration
* Only in severe fluid loss does ACTH significantly stimulate the release of aldosterone
* Only in severe fluid loss does ACTH significantly stimulate the release of aldosterone
* ANP is secreted in response to sodium/water loading and therefore inhibits aldosterone secretion
* ANP is secreted in response to sodium/water loading and therefore inhibits aldosterone secretion