The common abbreviation for adrenocorticotrophic hormone (also called corticotrophin). is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the adrenal cortex (outer layer of the adrenal glands) to release various corticosteroid hormones, most importantly hydrocortisone (cortisol) but also aldosterone and androgen hormones.
production is controlled by a feedback mechanism involving both the hypothalamus and the level of hydrocortisone in the blood. levels increase in response to stress, emotion, injury, infection, burns, surgery, and decreased blood pressure.
A tumour of the pituitary gland can cause excessive production which leads to overproduction of hydrocortisone by the adrenal cortex, resulting in Cushing’s syndrome. Insufficient production results in decreased production of hydrocortisone, causing low blood pressure. Synthetic is occasionally given by injection to treat arthritis or allergy.
(adrenocorticotrophic hormone, adrenocorticotrophin, corticotrophin) a hormone synthesized and stored in the anterior pituitary gland, large amounts of which are released in response to any form of stress. Its release is stimulated by *corticotrophin-releasing hormone. ACTH controls the secretion of *corticosteroid hormones from the adrenal gland. An analogue of ACTH, tetracosactide, is administered by injection to test adrenal function (see Synacthen tests).
See also CORTICOTROPIN. A hormone which is released into the body during stress. Made and stored in the anterior PITUITARY GLAND, ACTH regulates the production of corticosteroid hormones from the ADRENAL GLANDS, and is vital for the growth and maintenance of the adrenal cortical cells. Its production is in part controlled by the amount of HYDROCORTISONE in the blood and also by the HYPOTHALAMUS. ACTH participates in the FEEDBACK MECHANISM of hormone production and actions involving particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The hormone is used to test adrenal function and treat conditions such as ASTHMA. (See also CUSHING’S SYNDROME.)... adrenocorticotrophic hormone (acth)
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