Hyperaldosteronism is characterized by excessive production of which hormone?

• A. Epinephrine
• B. Aldosterone
• C. Cortisol
• D. Insulin

Answer: (B)

Hyperaldosteronism involves excess production of aldosterone, the mineralocorticoid from the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone acts on the kidney to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium (and hydrogen) ion excretion in the distal tubule and collecting duct, raising extracellular fluid volume and often blood pressure, while causing hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Epinephrine, cortisol, and insulin come from different organs and have distinct roles: epinephrine from the adrenal medulla mediates acute stress responses, cortisol from the adrenal cortex supports metabolism and stress adaptation, and insulin from the pancreas lowers blood glucose. So, the hormone in excess in hyperaldosteronism is aldosterone.