Objective: To investigate the regulation of local aldosterone synthesis by physiological stimulants in the murine gut.
Methods: Male mice were fed for 14 days with normal, high (1.6%) or low (0.01%) sodium diets. Tissue liver receptor homolog-1 and aldosterone in the colon and caecum were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Released corticosterone and aldosterone in tissue incubation experiments after stimulation with angiotensin II (Ang II) and dibutyryl-cAMP (DBA; the second messenger of adrenocorticotropic hormone) were assayed using an ELISA. Tissue aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) protein levels were measured using an ELISA and Western blots.
Results: In incubated colon tissues, aldosterone synthase levels were increased by a low-sodium diet; and by Ang II and DBA in the normal diet group. Release of aldosterone into the incubation buffer was increased from the colon by a low-sodium diet and decreased by a high-sodium diet in parallel with changes in aldosterone synthase levels. In mice fed a normal diet, colon incubation with both Ang II and DBA increased the release of aldosterone as well as its precursor corticosterone.
Conclusion: Local aldosterone synthesis in the large intestine is stimulated by a low-sodium diet, dibutyryl-cAMP and Ang II similar to the adrenal glands.
Keywords: Extra-adrenal aldosterone synthesis; aldosterone synthase CYP11B2; angiotensin II; cyclic AMP; ex vivo; intestinal aldosterone; liver receptor homolog-1.