Question

describe the action of the hormones aldosterone and ADH.Also, provide an explanation for the effect of each hormone on serum sodium levels.

Answer 1

Aldosterone is released by adrenal cortex. It acts on the distal convoluted tubule(DCT) and increases eNAC channels and Na⁺/K⁺ pump. This increases Na⁺ reabsorption into the blood from DCT. This in turn favours water reabsorption. This increases blood pressure by increasing blood volume. This causes increase in serum sodium levels.

ADH(anti diuretic hormone) is synthesised in hypothalamus and secreted by posterior pituitary. it acts mainly on the distal convoluted tubule(DCT) and collecting duct(CT). These increase the action of aquaporin II channels and increases water reabsorption into blood. It causes increase in blood volume. This doesn’t have significant effect on serum sodium levels. But it cause overall increase in serum sodium levels but decreases serum sodium concentration by increasing water level in serum.

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