Aldosterone, Serum

Aldosterone, a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex, is the most potent miniralocorticoid. The major function of aldosterone is the stimulation of sodium and chloride reabsorption by renal tubules and the enhancement of potassium and hydrogen excretion in urine. Its secretion is stimulated through the renin-angiotensin system and by high plasma potassium levels. Aldosterone levels vary with body position and salt intake. See Also Renin Activity, Plasma

Hyperaldosteronemia could either be primary due to adenomas and glucocorticoid responsive hyperaldosteronism or secondary as a result of elevated renin secretion due to renin secreting tumours, renovascular hypertension, dehydration, hyponatremia or Bartter's syndrome. In addition, elevated aldosterone and renin levels are found in psue-dohypoaldosteronism (unresponsiveness to aldosterone). Hypoaldosteronism is seen in the salt wasting form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), renin deficiency, Addison's disease in a very high sodium diet and Type 4 renal tubular acidosis.

1 ml Serum / Plasma EDTA 8 hrs at10-30c , or 5 days at 2-8 c Frozen

The reference ranges for serum aldosterone are based on normal sodium intake and patient position during collection (Standing or Recombant).

Standing: 28- 376 pg/mL suprine : 28 - 239 pg/ml