The Sound of Evolution
Deoxycorticosterone
Mechanism of action:
Deoxycorticosterone is an adrenocortical steroid belonging to the mineralocorticoid class. It is mainly synthesized and secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Deoxycorticosterone enters epithelial cells of the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct in the kidney, where it binds to the mineralocorticoid receptor. This promotes expression of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and the Na+/K+-ATPase pump, enhancing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, and thereby producing sodium-retaining and potassium-excreting physiological effects.
Reference(s):
Lu NZ et al. (2006). International Union of Pharmacology. LXV. The pharmacology and classification of the nuclear receptor superfamily: glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, progesterone, and androgen receptors. Pharmacol Rev.