ABSTRACT
The 19-normineralocorticoids often possess higher mineralocorticoid and hypertensinogenic activities than their 19-substituted mother compounds. Patients with primary aldosteronism have blood pressure and electrolyte abnormalities out of proportion to the degree of aldosterone secretion. In these patients, abnormalities of the 19-nor-deoxycorticosterone (19-nor-DOC) have been reported. The biosynthetic pathway of 19-noraldosterone is reported in isolated rat glomerulosa cells and fasciculata-reticular cells by analyzing [C]-pregnenolone metabolism using high performance liquid chromatography and quantification by specific RIA. A 19-Noraldosterone secretion is controlled by the renin-angiotensin system. Aldosterone secretion is controlled by the renin-angiotensin system and potassium. Patients with primary aldosteronism frequently have the abnormalities of blood pressure and electrolyte disproportionate to the degree of aldosterone secretion. In these patients, abnormalities of the potent mineralocorticoid active steroid 19-nor-DOC have been reported. The concentration of 19-noraldosterone increases in the medium of human cultured adrenal zona glomerulosa cells incubated with angiotensin II.
