mineralocorticoid Biochem.
(ˌmɪnərələʊˈkɔːtɪkɔɪd)
[f. mineral n. + -o + corticoid.]
Any of the steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex which are esp. concerned with maintaining the salt balance in the body; any analogous synthetic compound.
| 1950 H. Selye Physiol. & Path. of Exposure to Stress 646 Mineralo-corticoids predispose to the formation of lung edema. 1964 L. Martin Clin. Endocrinol. (ed. 4) v. 165 The mineralocorticoids promote the retention of salt and water and the excretion of potassium by the renal tubules. 1965 Lee & Knowles Animal Hormones iv. 70 The division of adrenal cortical hormones into glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids is a convenient one. 1970 Passmore & Robson Compan. Med. Stud. II. vi. 12/2 Nowadays, the mineralocorticoid of choice in the treatment of defective secretion of endogenous aldosterone is the synthetic agent 9α-fluorocortisol. |