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mineralocorticoid
(min″әr-al″o-korītĭ-koid)
any of a group of hormones elaborated by the adrenal cortex, so called because of their effects on concentrations of sodium, chloride, and potassium in the extracellular fluid. They are the adrenocortical hormones that are essential to the maintenance of adequate fluid volume in the extracellular
and intravascular fluid compartments, of normal cardiac output, and of adequate levels of blood pressure. If levels of mineralocorticoids go down too much, fatal shock from diminished cardiac output is likely.
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