Mineralocorticoid Receptors - Histology

What are Mineralocorticoid Receptors?

Mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) are a class of intracellular receptors that are primarily involved in the regulation of electrolyte and fluid balance. These receptors are activated by mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, which is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex.

Where are Mineralocorticoid Receptors Located?

MRs are found in various tissues throughout the body, but they are most abundant in the kidneys, colon, heart, and brain. Within the kidneys, they are particularly concentrated in the cells of the distal nephron, including the distal convoluted tubule and the collecting duct.

What is the Function of Mineralocorticoid Receptors?

The primary function of MRs is to regulate the balance of sodium and potassium in the body by modulating the expression of genes involved in ion transport. When activated by aldosterone, MRs increase the reabsorption of sodium and water, while promoting the excretion of potassium. This helps to maintain blood pressure and fluid balance.

Histological Features of Mineralocorticoid Receptors

Under the microscope, cells expressing MRs can be identified by immunohistochemical staining techniques. These cells often exhibit a distinct nuclear localization pattern since MRs are intracellular receptors that translocate to the nucleus upon activation. In the kidney, MR-positive cells are typically found in the epithelial cells lining the distal convoluted tubule and the collecting duct.

Clinical Relevance of Mineralocorticoid Receptors

Alterations in MR expression or function can lead to various clinical conditions. For example, hyperactivity of MRs is associated with conditions such as hyperaldosteronism and hypertension, while inadequate MR activity can result in disorders like Addison's disease. Understanding the histological distribution and function of MRs is crucial for diagnosing and treating these conditions.

Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research is exploring the role of MRs in non-traditional tissues and their involvement in various pathophysiological processes. For instance, recent studies have implicated MRs in the development of cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Advances in histological techniques, such as confocal microscopy and fluorescent tagging, are enabling more detailed studies of MR distribution and function.

Relevant Publications

Roles of distinct nuclear receptors in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

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How Would You Manage This Patient With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease? Grand Rounds Discussion From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

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The glucocorticoid receptor acts locally to protect dystrophic muscle and heart during disease.

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Pregestational Prediabetes Induces Maternal Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Dysregulation and Results in Adverse Foetal Outcomes.

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The role of sex hormones in aldosterone biosynthesis and their potential impact on its mineralocorticoid receptor.

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When to use either spironolactone, eplerenone or finerenone in the spectrum of cardiorenal diseases.

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Abiraterone-Associated Mineralocorticoid Excess: A Case Report.

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Steroid hormone signaling: multifaceted support of testicular function.

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Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Vascular Smooth Muscle: Blood Pressure and Beyond.

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Evidence for the druggability of aldosterone targets in heart failure: A bioinformatics and data science-driven decision-making approach.

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Paeoniflorin Alleviates Anxiety and Visceral Hypersensitivity via HPA Axis and BDNF/TrkB/PLCγ1 Pathway in Maternal Separation-induced IBS-like Rats.

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Recent Advances in the Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease: Slowing Progression.

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11-Deoxycorticosterone (DOC)\'s Action on the Gill Osmoregulation of Juvenile Rainbow Trout ().

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Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism reduces inflammatory pain measures in mice independent of the receptors on sensory neurons.

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Key HPI axis receptors facilitate light adaptive behavior in larval zebrafish.

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MINERALOCORTICOID RECEPTORS, MACROPHAGES AND NEW MECHANISMS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE.

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Clinical Properties and Non-Clinical Testing of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in In Vitro Cell Models.

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Prenatal exposure to the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone disrupts hippocampal area CA2 connectivity and alters behavior in mice.

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Acute stress and blockade of mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid receptors: Effects on working memory.

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Steroid hormone receptor based gene delivery systems as potential oral cancer therapeutics.

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