Radioimmunoassay (RIA) of plasma aldosterone (ALDO) can be hampered by cross-reactivity with plasma corticosterone (CORT). The purpose of this study was to determine and adjust for CORT crossreactivity when assaying for ALDO in blood samples taken throughout a 24-h period. Plasma was obtained from 10 adrenalectomized male Sprague-Dawley rats. Corticosterone-free plasma was spiked with 0, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 300 ng/ml CORT. Aldosterone determination was performed by RIA. An equation for ALDO concentration adjusted for plasma CORT concentration was calculated (ALDO = measurable ALDO - 0.377 x CORT - 5.324). Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were adapted to a 12/12 light/dark cycle (lights on at 0900 h). They were divided into two groups based on body weight. Blood samples were obtained every 4 h beginning at 0900 h from rats in group 1 and beginning at 1100 h from rats in group 2. Distinct diurnal CORT and ALDO rhythms were observed. Corticosterone levels were highest at 2100 h (131.8 +/- 17.8 ng/ml) and lowest at 1300 h (04.6 +/- 1.8 ng/ml). Aldosterone levels were highest at 1900 h (276.50 +/- 53.60 pg/ml) and lowest at 1500 h (27.53 +/- 6.84 pg/ml). Corticosterone and ALDO levels were often significantly correlated (r > 0.60), but not at times when CORT and ALDO levels were at their highest. These results suggest that ALDO and CORT may be regulated by different mechanisms or may have a regulatory influence upon each other throughout the day/night cycle.