Diurnal fluctuation in saliva aldosterone concentration

• Published in: Journal of steroid biochemistry Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 265 - 271
• Main Authors: Few, J.D., Unwin, R.J., Carmichael, D.J.S., James, V.H.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier B.V 01.02.1987; New York, NY Pergamon
• Subjects: Aldosterone - analysis; Aldosterone - blood; Altitude; Biological and medical sciences; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Circadian Rhythm; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Male; Saliva - analysis; Steroid hormones. Cholecalciferol derivatives; Vertebrates: endocrinology; Human; Steroid hormone; Hormonal investigation; Circadian rhythm; Aldosterone; Experimental study; Saliva
• ISSN: 0022-4731
• DOI: 10.1016/0022-4731(87)90081-1

We have measured saliva aldosterone concentration (SA) at frequent intervals in subjects going about their normal daytime activities. Four hourly sampling sufficed to give a reasonable estimate of mean diurnal SA but hourly sampling is necessary if it is desired to study the temporal pattern of SA. In subjects with normal or elevated mean levels, SA fluctuated considerably suggestive of several distinct episodes of aldosterone secretion. Such fluctuations show little correlation with the concentrations in saliva of glucocorticoids (cortisol + cortisone) nor are they consistent with a circadian rhythm of alsosterone secretion. We suggest that they may represent responses to such stimuli as eating, drinking or physical activity, and possibly to other as yet unidentified factors. These observations show the importance of comprehensive diurnal assessment of aldosterone level in physiological and pathological investigations. Because of its non-invasive nature and the high productivity of the assay, measurement of SA is ideally suited for this purpose.