Non-genomic effects of aldosterone: new actions and questions

Although the classical actions of aldosterone are mediated through genomic pathways, there is a growing recognition of important nongenomic responses to aldosterone. New data are presented from two laboratories showing a nongenomic effect of aldosterone to activate protein kinase C (PKC) in heart and kidney. Among the actions of PKC is the stimulation of transcription factors, raising the question of whether there is an interrelationship of nongenomic with genomic influences aldosterone induced nongenomic effects might modulate genomic effects. This expanded role of aldosterone will require exploration in future studies.