What is "adrenocorticotropic hormone"

n. (context hormone English) A peptide hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, that stimulates the secretion of other hormones

n. a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex [syn: adrenocorticotrophic hormone, ACTH, adrenocorticotropin, adrenocorticotrophin, corticotropin, corticotrophin]

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), also known as corticotropin ( INN, BAN) (brand names Acortan, ACTH, Acthar, Acton, Cortigel, Trofocortina), is a polypeptide tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It is an important component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is often produced in response to biological stress (along with its precursor corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus). Its principal effects are increased production and release of cortisol by the cortex of the adrenal gland. Primary adrenal insufficiency, also called Addison's disease, occurs when adrenal gland production of cortisol is chronically deficient, resulting in chronically elevated ACTH levels; when a pituitary tumor is the cause of elevated ACTH (from the anterior pituitary) this is known as Cushing's disease and the constellation of signs and symptoms of the excess cortisol (hypercortisolism) is known as Cushing's syndrome. Conversely, deficiency of ACTH is a cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency, often as a result of hypopituitarism. ACTH is also related to the circadian rhythm in many organisms.

In addition to its endogenous role, ACTH is used clinically as a diagnostic agent in assessing adrenal function.