Which hormone is primarily a mineralocorticoid?

Which hormone is primarily a mineralocorticoid?

• A. Cortisol
• B. DHEA
• C. Epinephrine
• D. Aldosterone

Answer: (D)

Mineralocorticoids regulate salt and water balance in the kidneys. The hormone doing this most prominently is aldosterone, produced by the adrenal cortex's zona glomerulosa. Aldosterone acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, which expands extracellular fluid and raises blood pressure. Its release is mainly driven by the renin-angiotensin system rather than ACTH. The other substances listed have different roles: cortisol is a glucocorticoid involved in metabolism, DHEA is an androgen precursor, and epinephrine is a catecholamine of the sympathetic system.

Mineralocorticoids regulate salt and water balance in the kidneys. The hormone doing this most prominently is aldosterone, produced by the adrenal cortex's zona glomerulosa. Aldosterone acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, which expands extracellular fluid and raises blood pressure. Its release is mainly driven by the renin-angiotensin system rather than ACTH. The other substances listed have different roles: cortisol is a glucocorticoid involved in metabolism, DHEA is an androgen precursor, and epinephrine is a catecholamine of the sympathetic system.