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DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1065336
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
New Mechanisms to Control Aldosterone Synthesis
Publication History
received 17.09.2007
accepted 17.01.2008
Publication Date:
20 May 2008 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/hmr/200807/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-2008-1065336-1.jpg)
Abstract
Arterial hypertension is a frequent and leading cardiovascular risk factor, and primary aldosteronism is a well-recognized cause of secondary hypertension. Aldosterone is the basic regulator of extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte balance. Alterations in plasma aldosterone levels significantly contribute to the development and the severity of hypertension. Adrenal steroidogenesis is controlled by two major feedback loops: the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which regulates cortisol synthesis, and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, which directs aldosterone production. In addition to angiotensin, potassium, and corticotropin–which belong to the classic stimulators of aldosterone–neuropeptides, catecholamines, and prostaglandins are also known to stimulate aldosterone synthesis. Recently, several new mechanisms have been characterized that control the release of aldosterone by adrenocortical cells, among them endothelial cell–derived factors and adipokines. Further identification and characterization of these factors may help in the development of novel therapies for the treatment of arterial hypertension, various metabolic diseases, and other disorders.
Key words
aldosterone - renin - angiotensin - adrenal - Conn's syndrome - endothelium - obesity
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Correspondence
H.S. Willenberg
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Rheumatology
University Hospital Düsseldorf
Moorenstr. 5
40225 Düsseldorf
Germany
Phone: +49/211/811 78 10
Fax: +49/211/811 78 60
Email: Holger.Willenberg@uni-duesseldorf.de