Aldosterone is the primary regulator of salt and water balance in the kidney. Other effects are related to the formation of crystals in renal tubules. Aldosterone acts on sodium and water transport. Aldosterone plays a major role in the regulation of water excretion.
In the study of the aldrogen function, many observations have been made. The mechanism of an Aldrogen function is similar to other functions. The action of Aldosterone on sodium transport is similar to that of chloride. The increased stimulation of sodium transport by Aldosterone. Use of an uncoupler to distinguish between sodium transport and direct stimulation: study of aldrogen and water excretion.
Other studies demonstrate the importance of water in salt transport in both the kidney and blood stream. It has been shown that sodium in the kidney can not dissolve in water; but it can dissolve in plasma. Blood can only transport sodium through chloride; not water. Thus aldrogen is a component of the regulation of water excretion.
Another effect of Aldrogen is on the kidney itself. The increased levels of potassium and sodium in the urine can cause the decreased function of kidney. Studies in laboratory animals and humans have shown that Aldosterone acts on the renal tubular cells to cause increased tubule cell turnover and decreased tubule wall thickness. This reduced cell wall reduces the ability of the tubules to retain sodium.
The Aldosterone function in the human body is similar to that in animal models. It is difficult to isolate the exact function of Aldosterone in humans. The effects are similar, though. The increase in sodium in urine and the decrease in the ability of the kidneys to retain salt are both caused by Aldosterone action in renal tubules. The reduced tubule wall thickness leads to more efficient excretion of sodium in the urine.
Aldosterone in its active form also has an effect on the blood pressure. Since this chemical is transported across the arterial wall, increased blood pressure can result. This is due to the reduced function of the kidney. Blood flow into the lungs also increases, leading to increased carbon dioxide production and decreased ventilation and therefore less oxygen and carbon dioxide to the lungs, all of which leads to hypertension.
The effects of androgen in the kidneys can affect other organs as well
Kidney cancer is very common in patients taking Aldosterone to increase the potassium in the body and therefore reduce the risk of dialysis. Hypertension, the condition of high blood pressure, has been reported to be increased in patients taking Aldosterone to raise blood pressure.
Aldosterone has also been shown to affect the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, both of which are known to affect bone density. The effect of aldosterone on bone density in humans has not yet been studied. These effects can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis and increase the risk of osteoporotic fracture in women. Results from studies of aldrogen function are inconclusive and may vary from person to person.
Although aldosterone has been shown to increase cholesterol levels, studies have not clearly demonstrated its effect on the development or progression of heart disease. It is believed that aldosterone can slow down the aging process by stimulating the synthesis of new cartilage. The study was conducted using human tissue cultures. Cultures were exposed to aldosterone for a short period of time.
The effects of aldosterone on tissue development and growth have been found to be minimal. In one experiment, aldosterone stimulated the production of new collagen fibers and protein. In another experiment, aldosterone stimulated the growth of collagen fibers, but no growth was observed in cultures treated with other compounds. Aldosterone did not significantly increase new bone cell growth.
A study by Dr. John G. Slade, professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, found that aldosterone has an inhibitory effect on an enzyme called CCP. pronounced sharp ligase. this enzyme is responsible for breaking down the ligaments and cartilage that support bones. It has been shown that the decrease in CPC activity is caused by the activity of androgens in the body. Aldosterone has also been shown to inhibit the secretion of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Aldrogen can also decrease the production of insulin and glucose in the bloodstream, both of which can cause diabetes. Some studies have suggested that Aldrogen may inhibit the production of serotonin, a substance that helps to control appetite. There is some evidence that Aldosterone increases the absorption of certain medications and may have an effect on cholesterol levels.
