Question

If a tumor interferes with the cells that produce Aldosterone, and causes no Aldosterone to be secreted, what is the effect on urine composition and volume? Where might this tumor be located?

Answer 1

• Low or no Aldosterone secretion, which is termed as Hypoaldosteronism usually occurs as part of adrenal insufficiency.
• It causes dehydration, low blood pressure, a low blood sodium level, and a high potassium level.
• When adrenal insufficiency develops rapidly, the amount of Na+ lost from the extracellular fluid exceeds the amount excreted in the urine, indicating that Na+ also must be entering cells, the salt loss exceeds water loss and the plasma Na+ falls. However, the plasma volume also is reduced, resulting in hypotension, circulatory insufficiency, and, eventually, fatal shock.
• Urine output is decreased
• A pituitary gland tumor can suppress production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and lead to adrenal deficiency, thus causing Hypoaldosteronism