View on Aldosterone and the Brain Revisited

Abstract

The mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone has been investigated almost exclusively with respect to cardiovascular function, as the main effects of aldosterone are related to water-electrolyte balance and the control of the blood pressure. This overview is focused on less traditional and long-time neglected effects of aldosterone on the brain and behavior. Preclinical studies by our research group brought evidence on causal relationships between aldosterone and anxiety as well as aldosterone and depression-like behavior. Aldosterone was found to be anxiogenic and depressogenic in a rat model. Preclinical studies also indicate that aldosterone may be an early marker of depression onset. Aldosterone is known to be an important component of the stress response, and we have shown that its role is particularly important during early postnatal period in pups. Studies in patients with major depressive disorder revealed that an unfavorable therapy outcome is predicted by a higher salivary aldosterone/cortisol ratio. Our clinical studies showed that salivary aldosterone concentrations reflect the severity, duration of the depressive episode, and treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorder. Moreover, the patients with depression fail to exert known daily rhythmicity of aldosterone release.

Steroid stress hormone changes throughout the menstrual cycle: A rise in evening aldosterone concentration in early luteal phase precedes the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

“…This enzyme inactivates glucocorticoids that are present in substantially higher concentrations than aldosterone, thus allowing aldosterone to bind to the mineralocorticoid receptors. 13,33,34 Furthermore, non-classical effects of aldosterone mediated via non-genomic actions and de novo synthesis of aldosterone within the brain should also be considered as potential mechanisms underlying aldosterone effects in the brain. These mechanisms have been considered to operate in the pathophysiology of mood disorders because we have previously reported a causal relationship between hyperaldosteronism and anxiety-and depression-like behaviours in preclinical studies, 35,36 as well as the role of aldosterone in the course of major depression in patients.…”

“…Such an effect can be mediated through overstimulation of mineralocorticoid receptors in aldosterone sensitive neurons in brain regions that express the 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. This enzyme inactivates glucocorticoids that are present in substantially higher concentrations than aldosterone, thus allowing aldosterone to bind to the mineralocorticoid receptors 13,33,34 . Furthermore, non‐classical effects of aldosterone mediated via non‐genomic actions and de novo synthesis of aldosterone within the brain should also be considered as potential mechanisms underlying aldosterone effects in the brain.…”

Selected neuroendocrine factors as potential molecular biomarkers of early non-affective psychosis course in relation to treatment outcome: A pilot study

“…It is known for a long time that the main ligands of brain MR are glucocorticoids [ 8 ]. More recent studies bring evidence that the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone is able to bind to MR in some brain regions with pathological consequences on mental health [ 9 , 10 ]. Aldosterone represents the executive end of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).…”