Question

The mineralocorticoid hormone of the adrenal cortex which cause retention of sodium and potassium excretion is

• A. Corticosol
• B. Corticosterone
• C. Progesterone
• D. Aldosterone

Answer 1

The correct option is D Aldosterone

Acting on the nuclear mineralocorticoid receptors within the cells of the distal tubule and the collecting duct of the kidney nephron, aldosterone upregulates and activates the $N{a}^{+}$/$K^{+}$ pumps, which pumps three sodium ions out of the cell, into the interstitial fluid and two potassium ions into the cell from the interstitial fluid. This creates a concentration gradient, which results in reabsorption of sodium ions and water into the blood, and secretion of potassium ions into the urine (lumen of collecting duct).