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Aldosterone
Main Entry: al·do·ste·rone
Pronunciation: al- däs-t - r n; al-d - sti( )r- n, -st - r n
Function: noun
: A steroid hormone C21H28O5 of the adrenal cortex that functions in the regulation of the salt and water balance of the body.
Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal glands . It is part of the complex mechanism used by the body to regulate blood pressure . Aldosterone is the main sodium retaining hormone from the adrenal gland. It increases the re-absorption of sodium and water along with the excretion of potassium in the distal tubules of the kidneys. This action raises blood pressure.
Aldosterone also:
Acts on sweat glands to reduce the loss of sodium in perspiration;
Acts on taste cells to increase the sensitivity of the taste buds to sources of sodium.
