Horm Metab Res 2008; 40(7): 435-441
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1065336
Mini-Review

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

New Mechanisms to Control Aldosterone Synthesis

H. S. Willenberg 1 , S. Schinner 1 , I. Ansurudeen 2
  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
  • 2Department of Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus Medical School, University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 17.09.2007

accepted 17.01.2008

Publication Date:
20 May 2008 (online)

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.

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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

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