Relation between energy metabolism in mitochondria and conversion of 18 hydroxycorticosterone to aldosterone in adrenals.

The purpose of this study was to see whether there was any link between conversion of 18 hydroxycorticosterone to aldosterone and mitochondrial energy metabolism. In vitro incubations of duck adrenal mitochondria with 18 OH B were used in this study. Results show that 18 oxidation is inhibited by compounds blocking electron transport (antimycin A, cyanide, rotenone, amytal). Inhibition induced by cyanide and antimycin A is reversed with ATP. 2,4 dinitrophenol, oligomycin and DCCD inhibit 18 oxidation but guanidine stimulate this reaction. Thus aldosterone synthesis from 18 OH B depends on energy metabolism in mitochondria. This is a very new aspect related to the last step of aldosterone synthesis.