(al-dos'tĕ-rōn‵, al‵dō-stēr'ōn‵ )

[ald(ehyde) + -sterone]

The most biologically active mineralocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption by the kidneys, thereby indirectly regulating blood levels of potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, as well as pH, blood volume, and blood pressure.

SEE: adrenal gland .