Electrical excitability and aldosterone secretion in the zona glomerulosa cells:the role of ion channels

Abstract

Aldosterone is a kind of steroid hormone produced by the zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells of the adrenal cortex which plays a crucial regulatory role in fluid-electrolyte balance and blood pressure stability. Aldosterone biosynthesis is a calcium-dependent process, and ion channels play a key role in this process. Primary aldosteronism is closely related to mutations in ion channels. Recent studies have highlighted an intriguing relationship between the unique rosette structure of ZG cells and their electrical excitability. Elucidating the connection between rosettes and ZG cell electrical excitability as well as aldosterone secretion leads to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms regulating aldosterone secretion and may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of primary aldosteronism.

Keywords

• zona glomerulosa cells|electrical excitability|aldosterone|ion channels|rosette structure