ALDOSTERONE RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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An aldosterone receptor is a protein molecule located on the surface of target cells that binds to the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, primarily in response to signals from the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. It plays a crucial role in regulating electrolyte levels, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body.
The aldosterone receptor is a type of nuclear receptor, which means it acts as a transcription factor that can modulate gene expression. When aldosterone binds to its receptor, a series of signaling events is initiated within the target cell. This leads to the activation or inhibition of specific genes, resulting in the cellular response to aldosterone.
The main function of the aldosterone receptor is to control sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidney, promoting water retention and maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance. It also affects other tissues, such as the colon and sweat glands, where it regulates electrolyte movement.
Dysfunction or dysregulation of the aldosterone receptor can have significant clinical implications. For example, mutations in the receptor can cause disorders known as familial hyperaldosteronism, which leads to excessive aldosterone production and hypertension. Drugs that target the aldosterone receptor, such as spironolactone and eplerenone, are commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and primary aldosteronism, to block its action and reduce the effects of excessive aldosterone activity.
Common Misspellings for ALDOSTERONE RECEPTOR
- zldosterone receptor
- sldosterone receptor
- wldosterone receptor
- qldosterone receptor
- akdosterone receptor
- apdosterone receptor
- aodosterone receptor
- alsosterone receptor
- alxosterone receptor
- alcosterone receptor
- alfosterone receptor
- alrosterone receptor
- aleosterone receptor
- aldisterone receptor
- aldksterone receptor
- aldlsterone receptor
- aldpsterone receptor
- ald0sterone receptor
- ald9sterone receptor
- aldoaterone receptor
Etymology of ALDOSTERONE RECEPTOR
The word "aldosterone" comes from the combination of two words: "aldo" and "sterone". "Aldo" is derived from the chemical compound called aldol, which is a combination of aldehyde and alcohol. "Sterone" is a suffix used in biochemistry to refer to steroids.
The term "aldosterone" was coined in the late 1950s to describe a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that regulates electrolyte and fluid balance in the body. It was named aldosterone due to its chemical structure and physiological effects.
The word "receptor" comes from the Latin word "receptus", which means "to receive". In biology and medicine, a receptor refers to a structure on the surface of a cell or within a cell that receives and binds to specific molecules, triggering a biological response.
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