Control of aldosterone secretion by pituitary hormones.
Pro-gamma-melanotropins (pro-gamma-MSH) are implicated in the control of aldosterone secretion by the normal adrenal cortex and in idiopathic hyperaldosteronism. In contrast with other melanotropins (alpha- and beta-MSH), the pro-gamma-MSH increase aldosterone secretion by normal adrenals only in the presence of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). However, in aldosteronoma cells this stimulatory effect of the pro-gamma-MSH is not ACTH-dependent. The mechanism of pro-gamma-MSH action on aldosterone biosynthesis may involve activation of cholesteryl ester hydrolase in zona glomerulosa, resulting in an increased provision of cholesterol for steroidogenesis.
D000450:Aldosterone / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats
D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D000450:Aldosterone