Define the Regulation of Aldosterone Secretion
Increased potassium ion concentration and decreased sodium ion concentration increases the aldosterone secretion. Renin-angiotensin system is also important for the regulation of aldosterone secretion. The juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney secrete renin. Once renin is released from the juxtaglomerular cells, it diffuses into the blood and circulates throughout the body.
In the blood, it splits angiotensin I from renin substrate. Angiotensin I is further split to angiotensin II with the help of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II is a powerful vasoconstrictor and increases aldosterone secretion from zona glomerulosa. Hence, in hypertensive patients, advice of reduced salt intake is given along with anti-hypertensive drugs, including ACE inhibitors to reduce the aldosterone.