Aldosterone actions on distal tubule

Aldosterone actions on distal tubule

Aldosterone actions on distal tubule

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RAAS Cascade - The Pressure Regulator

  • Trigger: ↓ Renal blood flow / ↓ Na⁺ delivery to distal tubule.
  • Goal: ↑ Blood pressure & restore renal perfusion.

RAAS cascade and its effects on the body

Exam Favorite: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) not only creates Angiotensin II but also breaks down bradykinin, a vasodilator. This dual action is key to understanding ACE inhibitor side effects like dry cough and angioedema.

Principal & Intercalated Cells - Aldosterone's Workshop

Alpha-intercalated cell ion transport in distal tubule

Aldosterone fine-tunes electrolyte and acid-base balance by acting on two key cell types in the late distal tubule and collecting duct.

  • Principal Cells: Salt & Water Balance

    • Upregulates luminal Epithelial Na+ Channels (ENaC) → ↑Na+ reabsorption.
    • Upregulates luminal Renal Outer Medullary K+ (ROMK) channels → ↑K+ secretion.
    • Increases basolateral Na+/K+-ATPase activity to drive the gradients.
    • Net Effect: Retains Na+ (and water follows), excretes K+.
  • α-Intercalated Cells: Acid Secretion

    • Stimulates H+-ATPase activity → ↑H+ secretion into the lumen.
    • Contributes to acidifying the urine.

⭐ Hyperaldosteronism can lead to metabolic alkalosis due to increased H+ secretion by α-intercalated cells.

Clinical Correlates - Hyper vs. Hypo

  • Hyperaldosteronism (e.g., Conn's Syndrome)

    • Causes: Adrenal adenoma or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia.
    • Labs: ↑ Aldosterone, ↓ Renin, Hypokalemia, Metabolic Alkalosis.
    • Clinical: Hypertension, muscle weakness, paresthesias. No significant edema or hypernatremia due to aldosterone escape.
  • Hypoaldosteronism

    • Causes: Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's), ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Spironolactone, Type 4 RTA.
    • Labs: ↓ Aldosterone, Hyperkalemia, Metabolic Acidosis (non-anion gap).
    • Clinical: Hypotension, arrhythmias (from ↑ K+).

Exam Favorite: ACE inhibitors are a common cause of iatrogenic hypoaldosteronism. They block Angiotensin II formation, thus decreasing aldosterone secretion and potentially leading to life-threatening hyperkalemia.

Pharmacology - Taming Aldosterone

  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (MRAs): Competitively block aldosterone receptors in principal cells.
    • Spironolactone: Non-selective; also blocks androgen receptors (→ gynecomastia, impotence).
    • Eplerenone: Selective for mineralocorticoid receptors; fewer side effects.
  • ENaC Blockers: Inhibit the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) directly.
    • Amiloride
    • Triamterene
  • Overall Effect: All are potassium-sparing diuretics.
    • Result in ↓Na⁺ reabsorption and ↓K⁺ secretion.
    • Used for hypertension, heart failure, and hyperaldosteronism.

Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening side effect, especially when combined with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or NSAIDs.

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Aldosterone primarily acts on principal cells and α-intercalated cells in the distal tubule and collecting duct.
  • It increases Na+ reabsorption by upregulating apical ENaC channels and the basolateral Na+/K+ ATPase in principal cells.
  • This leads to increased K+ secretion through apical ROMK channels (hypokalemia).
  • It also stimulates H+ secretion from α-intercalated cells, contributing to metabolic alkalosis.
  • Net effect: ↑ blood volume/pressure, ↓ serum K+, and metabolic alkalosis.
  • Blocked by spironolactone and eplerenone.

Practice Questions: Aldosterone actions on distal tubule

Test your understanding with these related questions

An investigator is studying patients with acute decompensated congestive heart failure. He takes measurements of a hormone released from atrial myocytes, as well as serial measurements of left atrial and left ventricular pressures. The investigator observes a positive correlation between left atrial pressures and the serum level of this hormone. Which of the following is most likely the mechanism of action of this hormone?

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Flashcards: Aldosterone actions on distal tubule

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At high concentrations, cortisol can bind to _____ receptors

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

At high concentrations, cortisol can bind to _____ receptors

mineralocorticoid (aldosterone)

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