Role of Aldosterone in
Controlling Renal Excretion
Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption, especially in the
cortical collecting tubules. The increased sodium reabsorption is also
associated with increased water reabsorption and potassium secretion.
Therefore, the net effect of aldosterone is to make the kidneys retain sodium
and water but to increase potassium excretion in the urine.
The function of aldosterone in regulating sodium balance is closely
related to that described for angiotensin II.That is, with reduction in sodium
intake, the increased angiotensin II levels that occur stimulate aldosterone
secretion, which in turn contributes to the reduction in urinary sodium
excretion and, therefore, to the maintenance of sodium balance. Conversely,
with high sodium intake, suppression of aldosterone formation decreases tubular
reabsorption, allowing the kidneys to excrete larger amounts of sodium. Thus,
changes in aldosterone formation also aid the pressure natriuresis mechanism in
maintaining sodium balance during variations in salt intake.
During Chronic Oversecretion of Aldosterone,
Kidneys “Escape” from Sodium Retention as Arterial Pressure Rises.
Although aldosterone has powerful effects on sodium reabsorption,
when there is excessive infusion of aldosterone or excessive formation of
aldosterone, as occurs in patients with tumors of the adrenal gland (Conn’s
syndrome), the increased sodium reabsorp-tion and decreased sodium excretion by
the kidneys are transient. After 1 to 3 days of sodium and water retention, the
extracellular fluid volume rises by about 10 to 15 per cent and there is a
simultaneous increase in arterial blood pressure. When the arterial pressure
rises sufficiently, the kidneys “escape” from the sodium and water retention
and thereafter excrete amounts of sodium equal to the daily intake, despite
continued presence of high levels of aldosterone. The primary reason for the
escape is the pressure natriuresis and diuresis that occur when the arterial
pressure rises.
In patients with adrenal insufficiency who do not secrete enough
aldosterone (Addison’s disease), there is increased excretion of sodium and
water, reduction in extracellular fluid volume, and a tendency toward low blood
pressure. In the complete absence of aldos-terone, the volume depletion may be
severe unless the person is allowed to eat large amounts of salt and drink
large amounts of water to balance the increased urine output of salt and water.
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