Adrenocorticotropic hormone (or corticotropin), a polypeptide tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
A hormone produced by the anterior part of the pituitary gland that stimulates hormone production in the adrenal cortex. A synthetic derivative of ACTH known as cosyntropin (Cortrosyn) is used for diagnostic testing of adrenal insufficiency, or Addison’s disease.
Normally produced by the pituitary gland, it stimulates hormone production by the cortex of the adrenal gland. Sometimes administered as a therapeutic agent due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
A hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary.
A pituitary hormone that regulates the secretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex; stimulates production and release of cortisol.
Hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that is essential for the development of the cortex of the adrenal gland and for its secretion of corticosteroids (mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids). Stress, trauma, major surgery, fever, and other conditions stimulate ACTH secretion. Also called corticotropin.
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the release of hormones from the renal cortex.
A hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and controls the development and functioning of the adrenal cortex, including its secretion of glucocorticoids and androgens.
A pivotal hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), stimulates the adrenal cortex to synthesize and release adrenal cortical hormones.
The common abbreviation for adrenocorticotrophic hormone, also known as corticotrophin, is ACTH. This hormone is produced by the anterior part of the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. Its main function is to stimulate the adrenal cortex, which is the outer layer of the adrenal glands situated on top of the kidneys. When ACTH is released, it prompts the adrenal cortex to produce and release various corticosteroid hormones. Additionally, ACTH plays a vital role in the growth and maintenance of the cells in the adrenal cortex.
The primary function of ACTH is to stimulate the adrenal cortex to enhance its production of hydrocortisone, which is also known as cortisol. Additionally, ACTH prompts the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone and androgen hormones.
The production of ACTH is regulated by a feedback mechanism that involves the hypothalamus, located in the center of the brain, as well as the level of hydrocortisone in the bloodstream. When the levels of ACTH are high, it leads to an increase in hydrocortisone production, which then suppresses the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland. On the other hand, when the levels of ACTH are low, it results in a decrease in hydrocortisone production, prompting the hypothalamus to release factors that stimulate the pituitary gland to increase the production of ACTH.
ACTH levels surge in reaction to various stimuli such as stress, intense emotions, physical trauma, burns, infection, surgical procedures, and a drop in blood pressure. Remarkably, malignant growths, especially those originating in the lungs, occasionally generate a substance akin to ACTH, leading to the manifestation of distressing symptoms.
A neoplasm situated in the pituitary gland has the potential to trigger an abnormal surge in ACTH production. This excessive secretion of ACTH subsequently prompts the adrenal cortex to produce an excess amount of hydrocortisone, thereby giving rise to a hormonal disorder known as Cushing’s syndrome. Conversely, inadequate production of ACTH leads to a decline in hydrocortisone synthesis, leading to the development of hypotension characterized by low blood pressure.
In the past, synthetic ACTH was administered as a therapeutic measure for arthritis and as a remedy for allergies. However, its utilization has diminished significantly over time, and it is presently seldom employed for such purposes.