mineralocorticoid

mineralocorticoid

 [min″er-al-o-kor´tĭ-koid]

any of a group of hormones elaborated by the cortex of the adrenal gland, so called because of their effects on sodium, chloride, and potassium concentrations in the extracellular fluid. They are the adrenocortical hormones that are essential to the maintenance of adequate fluid volume in the extracellular and intravascular fluid compartments, normal cardiac output, and adequate levels of blood pressure. Without sufficient supply of the mineralocorticoids, fatal shock from diminished cardiac output can occur very quickly.

The principal mineralocorticoid is aldosterone, which accounts for most of the activities of this group of hormones. The primary effects of the mineralocorticoids are increasing the reabsorption of sodium and the secretion of potassium in the renal tubules. Secondary effects are related to the reabsorption of water, serum levels of sodium and potassium, anion reabsorption, and secretion of hydrogen ions. The net result of these activities is maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance and, therefore, adequate cardiac output.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

min·er·al·o·cor·ti·coid

(min'ĕr-al-ō-kōr'ti-koyd),

One of the steroids of the adrenal cortex that influences water and electrolyte (particularly sodium and potassium ions) metabolism and balance.

Synonym(s): mineralocoid

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

mineralocorticoid

(mĭn′ər-ə-lō-kôr′tĭ-koid′)

n.

Any of a group of steroid hormones, such as aldosterone, that are secreted by the adrenal cortex and regulate the balance of water and electrolytes in the body.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

mineralocorticoid

Any of the steroid hormones that regulate water and electrolyte equilibrium, acting specifically on renal tubules.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

mineralocorticoid

 Any of the steroid hormones–the most important is aldosterone–that regulate water and electrolyte equilibrium, acting specifically on renal tubule

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

min·er·al·o·cor·ti·coid

(min'ĕr-ăl-ō-kōr'ti-koyd)

One of the steroids of the cortex of the suprarenal gland that influence salt (sodium and potassium) metabolism.
Compare: bioregulator

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

min·er·al·o·cor·ti·coid

(min'ĕr-ăl-ō-kōr'ti-koyd)

One of the steroids of the cortex of the suprarenal gland that influences water and electrolyte metabolism and balance.

Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012