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Serum potassium concentrations are the most potent stimulator of aldosterone secretion. the ACTH stimulation test, which is sometimes used to stimulate the production of aldosterone along with cortisol to determine whether primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency is present. However, ACTH has only a minor role in regulating aldosterone ...
The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa is the main site for the production of aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid. The synthesis and secretion of aldosterone are mainly regulated by the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. The zona glomerulosa cells express a specific enzyme aldosterone synthase (also known as CYP11B2).
Aldosterone is responsible for the reabsorption of about 2% of filtered glomerular filtrate. [27] Sodium retention is also a response of the distal colon and sweat glands to aldosterone receptor stimulation. Angiotensin II and extracellular potassium are the two main regulators of aldosterone production. [19]
Sodium levels also see an increase which results in fluid retention in tissues and elevated blood pressure. In addition to hypersecretion of cortisol, excess androgens are secreted. [8] In females, increased secretion of androgens, such as testosterone, results in masculinization which may present as facial hair growth and a deepened voice. [2]
Several hormones can affect insulin secretion. Estrogen is correlated with an increase of insulin secretion by depolarizing the β-cells membrane and enhancing the entry of Ca 2+. In contrast, growth hormone is known to lower the serum level of insulin by promoting the production of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I).
Angiotensin II also stimulates the secretion of the hormone aldosterone [6] from the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone causes the renal tubules to increase the reabsorption of sodium which in consequence causes the reabsorption of water into the blood, while at the same time causing the excretion of potassium (to maintain electrolyte balance).
In contrast to insulin, the fetal plasma glucagon levels are relatively high and continue to increase during development. [15] At the mid-stage of gestation, the glucagon concentration is 6 μg/g, compared to 2 μg/g in adult humans. Just like insulin, fetal glucagon plasma levels do not change in response to an infusion of glucose. [16]
In adrenal insufficiency, there is a deficiency in cortisol production which may be accompanied by a deficiency in aldosterone production (predominantly in primary adrenal insufficiency). [2] [3] Depending on the cause and type of adrenal insufficiency, the mechanism of the disease differs. Generally, the symptoms manifest through the systemic ...