Mineralocorticoid

Mineralocorticoids is a class of steroids characterised by their similarity to aldosterone and their influence on salt and water metabolism.

The only endogenous mineralocorticoid is aldosterone, although a number of hormones (mainly progesterone) have mineralocorticoid function. An example of synthetic mineralocorticoids is fludrocortisone (Florinef®). An important mineralocorticoid inhibitor is spironolactone.

Aldosterone acts on sweat glands to reduce sodium loss in sweat and also acts on taste buds to sharpen the taste.