Page "Adrenal gland" Paragraph 7

: The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa is the main site for production of mineralocorticoids, mainly aldosterone, which is largely responsible for the long-term regulation of blood pressure.

Aldosterone's effects are on the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct of the kidney where it causes increased reabsorption of sodium and increased excretion of both potassium ( by principal cells ) and hydrogen ions ( by intercalated cells of the collecting duct ).

Sodium retention is also a response of the distal colon, and sweat glands to aldosterone receptor stimulation.

The major stimulus to produce aldosterone is angiotensin II while ACTH from the pituitary only produces a transient effect.

Angiotensin is stimulated by the juxtaglomerular cells when renal blood pressure drops below 90 mmHg.