Does the hormone "endogenous ouabain" exist in the human circulation?

Risto J Kaaja1, M Gary Nicholls2

  • 1Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Finland.

Summary

This review addresses the unresolved question of whether a hormone called endogenous ouabain exists in human blood. Some studies from the 1990s suggested that this hormone, similar to the cardiac drug ouabain, is produced by the adrenal glands and may play a role in regulating blood pressure and organ function. However, other research groups have failed to confirm its presence, leading to a scientific debate. The authors of this review do not present new data but call for independent scientists with expertise in analytical chemistry to evaluate the existing evidence. They emphasize the importance of resolving this issue for both scientific and clinical reasons. The review concludes that expert adjudication is needed to clarify whether endogenous ouabain truly exists in the human circulation.

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