Mineralocorticoids
What are Mineralocorticoids?
Mineralocorticoid is a corticosteroid hormone, which is synthesized by the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone, the main mineralocorticoid, is necessary for regulation of salt and water in the body. It increases sodium re-absorption by an action on the distal tubules of the kidney.
Mineralocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that regulate salt and water balances. Aldosterone is the primary mineralocorticoid. Mineralocorticoids promote sodium and potassium transport, usually followed by changes in water balance.
An example of a synthetic mineralocorticoid is fludrocortisone (Florinef). Important antimineralocorticoids are spironolactone and eplerenone.
Mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, promote sodium reabsorption in transporting epithelia of the kidneys, salivary glands, and large intestine. Sodium reabsorption is followed by passive reabsorption of water.
ADH is a peptide made up of nine amino acids: tyrosine, phenylalanine, glutamine, asparagine, proline, arginine, glycine, and two instances of cysteine. Aldosterone, on the other hand, is a mineralocorticoid, which is a corticosteroid made of cholesterol.





