By: Dylan K.

What is Mineralocorticoid?  This chemical derives from early observations that these hormones were involved in the retention of sodium, a mineral. The primary endogenous mineralocorticoid is aldosterone, although a number of other endogenous hormones (including progesterone and deoxycorticosterone) have mineralocorticoid function.

How it is made and Where  Mineralocorticoid is made in the Adrenal Cortex and is a steroid.  Cholesterol is used as the starting material for this steroid, production is started with the secretion of ACTH from the anterior lobe of the pituitary. Within Mineralocorticoid is Aldosterone which is what is most important. Aldosterone acts on the kidney promoting the reabsorption of sodium ions into the blood. Water follows the salt and this helps maintain normal blood pressure. Aldosterone 

Affects of Mineralocorticoid  Mineralocorticoid maintains normal blood level volume, promotes sodium and water retention, and increases urinary excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions. Aldosterone, is the most potent Mineralocorticoid with regard to electrolyte balance, acts on the distal tubules of the kidneys to enhance the reabsorption of sodium into the plasma. Trauma and stress increase Mineralocorticoid secretion. The synthetic Mineralocorticoid Fludrocortisone, which has Mineralocorticoid and Glucocorticoid activity, is used to treat the salt-losing Adrenogenital syndrome and the severe corticoid deficiency characteristic of Addison’s disease.

Target Cell & Amounts  Aldosterone acts in mineralocorticoid-sensitive cells by binding to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Because the MR displays similar affinity for aldosterone and glucocorticoid hormones and because these latter hormones are 100- to 1000-fold more abundant than aldosterone in the plasma, mechanisms are required to avoid permanent illicit occupancy of MR by glucocorticoid hormone.  Levels of Mineralocorticoid can be found by using a blood test, if not addressed then many symptoms will occur like Addison’s disease, Cushing’s Syndrome, Conn’s Syndrome, and even Death.

Levels of Mineralocorticoid

Synthetic Replacement  Mineralocorticoid can be synthetically replaced, by taking drugs (that are prescribed to you) that contain Aldosterone and Fludrocortisone. About 0.3 mg of Aldosterone and 2 mg of Fludrocortisone, Aldosterone contains 300 potency level and Fludrocortisone contains 150 potency.

Atypical Treatment  The problem is in the pituitary gland; normally, its anterior portion produces a hormone. The patient only needs to have medication to replace the Glucocorticoid steroid Cristol.