A drug used to test the functioning of the adrenal glands. Tetracosactide is a chemical analogue of the natural hormone corticotrophin (ACTH). stimulates the cortices of the adrenal glands to secrete hormones such as cortisol. To diagnose a disorder of the adrenal glands, a tetracosactide injection is given and the blood cortisol level measured. Failure of the level to rise indicates an abnormality.
(tetracosactin) n. see ACTH; Synacthen tests.
(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).... acth
tests used to assess the ability of the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol. Serum cortisol is measured before and then 30 minutes (or 5 hours) after an intramuscular injection of 250 ?g (or 1 mg) tetracosactide (Synacthen), an analogue of *ACTH. The adrenal glands are considered to be inadequate if there is a low baseline concentration of cortisol or the rise is less than a certain predefined amount.... synacthen tests
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