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Control of sodium appetite by hindbrain aldosterone-sensitive neurons
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Control of sodium appetite by hindbrain aldosterone-sensitive neurons

Ahmet Kuralay, Miriam C. McDonough and Jon M. Resch
Molecular and cellular endocrinology, Vol.592, 112323
10/2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112323
PMCID: PMC11381173
PMID: 38936597
url
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11381173/pdf/nihms-2007008.pdfView
Open Access

Abstract

Mineralocorticoids play a key role in hydromineral balance by regulating sodium retention and potassium wasting. Through favoring sodium, mineralocorticoids can cause hypertension from fluid overload under conditions of hyperaldosteronism, such as aldosterone-secreting tumors. An often-overlooked mechanism by which aldosterone functions to increase sodium is through stimulation of salt appetite. To drive sodium intake, aldosterone targets neurons in the hindbrain which uniquely express 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2). This enzyme is a necessary precondition for aldosterone-sensing cells as it metabolizes glucocorticoids – preventing their activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor. In this review, we will consider the role of hindbrain HSD2 neurons in regulating sodium appetite by discussing HSD2 expression in the brain, regulation of hindbrain HSD2 neuron activity, and the circuitry mediating the effects of these aldosterone-sensitive neurons. Reducing the activity of hindbrain HSD2 neurons may be a viable strategy to reduce sodium intake and cardiovascular risk, particularly for conditions of hyperaldosteronism.

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