Aldosterone: intracellular receptors in human heart

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Abstract
It has been suggested that aldosterone exerts direct effects on heart functioning, in particular by inducing cardiac fibrosis. We examined human heart tissue for the expression of aldosterone receptors (mineralocorticoid receptors, MRs) and of the MR-protecting enzyme, 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β HSD). In situ hybridization using cRNA probes specific for human MRs revealed the presence of mRNA encoding for MRs in cardiomyocytes. Immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies against the MR exhibited the expression of MR protein in cardiomyo cytes. In contrast, intramyocardial small blood vessels showed no evidence of immunolabelling. A distinct 11β HSD activity, which was nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide dependent, was also demonstrated in human cardiac tissue. These results illustrate that all the components required for a specific aldosterone effect are present in the human heart.

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