What is the major mineralocorticoid?

What is the major mineralocorticoid?

• A. Aldosterone
• B. Cortisol
• C. Corticosterone
• D. Testosterone

Answer: (A)

The major mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. Mineralocorticoids regulate electrolyte and fluid balance, primarily by acting on the kidney. Aldosterone is produced in the adrenal cortex (zona glomerulosa) and is released in response to signals from the renin-angiotensin system and rising potassium levels. It binds to mineralocorticoid receptors in renal distal tubule and collecting duct cells, increasing the transcription of sodium channels (ENaC) and the Na+/K+-ATPase. This boosts sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, with water following by osmosis, expanding extracellular fluid volume and helping maintain blood pressure. Cortisol and corticosterone are mainly glucocorticoids (with some mineralocorticoid activity, but not the primary one in humans), and testosterone is an androgen, not a mineralocorticoid.

The major mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. Mineralocorticoids regulate electrolyte and fluid balance, primarily by acting on the kidney. Aldosterone is produced in the adrenal cortex (zona glomerulosa) and is released in response to signals from the renin-angiotensin system and rising potassium levels. It binds to mineralocorticoid receptors in renal distal tubule and collecting duct cells, increasing the transcription of sodium channels (ENaC) and the Na+/K+-ATPase. This boosts sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, with water following by osmosis, expanding extracellular fluid volume and helping maintain blood pressure. Cortisol and corticosterone are mainly glucocorticoids (with some mineralocorticoid activity, but not the primary one in humans), and testosterone is an androgen, not a mineralocorticoid.