Mineralocorticoid

From Freepedia

Mineralocorticoids is a class of steroids characterised by their similarity to aldosterone and their influence on salt and water metabolism.

The only endogenous mineralocorticoid is aldosterone, although a number of hormones (mainly progesterone) have mineralocorticoid function. An example of synthetic mineralocorticoids is fludrocortisone (Florinef®). An important mineralocorticoid inhibitor is spironolactone.

Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to provide active reabsorption of sodium, passive reabsorption of water, and the active secretion of potassium in the distal convoluted tubule. This in turn results in an increase of blood pressure and blood volume.