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Adenocorticotropic hormone
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'''Adrenocorticotropic hormone''' ('''ACTH''', also known as corticotropin) is a tropic [[hormone]] and an important player in the [[Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis|HPA axis]]. It is produced and released by the anterior [[pituitary gland]]. ACTH acts on its target organ, the [[adrenal glands]], by stimulating the release of [[cortisol]]. == Structure and Function == There is a two-step process for the release of ACTH. First, the [[hypothalamus]] releases [[corticotropin-releasing hormone]] (CRH) through the hypophyseal portal system to stimulate the anterior pituitary gland. Corticotropin-releasing hormone is normally released in response to biological [[stress]], and is a part of the general stress response.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/hypopit/acth.html | title = Adrenocorticotropic Hormone | website = vivo.colostate.edu|language=en | access-date = 2018-10-25}}</ref> The anterior pituitary gland responds by releasing ACTH, targeting the adrenal glands (specifically the adrenal cortex). ACTH stimulates the production and secretion of [[glucocorticoid]] steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is one of the principal hormones secreted, and is released into the bloodstream where it helps convert fats and proteins into [[glucose]], and has an anti-inflammatory effect. ACTH also affects the production of aldosterone in the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone facilitates sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the kidneys. Thus, ACTH is important in glucose, fat, and protein [[metabolism]], the [[Immune system|immune system's]] response, and maintenance of [[blood pressure]].<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://labtestsonline.org/tests/adrenocorticotropic-hormone-acth | title = ACTH | website = labtestsonline.org|language=en | access-date = 2018-10-25}}</ref> == Dysfunction == Pathophysiology of ACTH arises from dysfunction of the pituitary, the adrenal glands, or ectopic secretion. If the pituitary is hypo- or hyper-functioning, there will be a respective decrease or increase in ACTH secretion. If the adrenal glands are hypo- or hyper-functioning, the response to ACTH may be muted or exaggerated. Ectopic secretion describes the secretion of ACTH from an abnormal source, such as a tumor, such that normal regulatory pathways do not control such levels. Pathophysiologies associated with ACTH dysregulation include<ref>{{Cite book | last = Allen | first = Mary J. | last2 = Sharma | first2 = Sandeep | date = 2018 | title = Physiology, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) | url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500031/|location=Treasure Island (FL)| publisher = StatPearls Publishing|pmid=29763207}}</ref>: * [[Hypopituitarism]] * [[Pituitary adenoma]] * Sheehan syndrome * [[Cushing's disease]] and syndrome * [[Addison's disease]] * [[Hypercortisolism]] * Small cell carcinoma === ME/CFS === As ACTH is a major hormone in the HPA axis, ACTH may be related to [[myalgic encephalomyelitis]] (ME) because HPA axis dysregulation has been associated with ME. However, studies in this area have found a wide range in results; a 2007 review of HPA function in ME found that about half of all studies indicated HPA hypofunction in ME, whereas the other half of the studies did not find differences in ACTH within HPA function between ME and controls.<ref>{{Cite journal | last = Van Den Eede | first = Filip | last2 = Moorkens | first2 = Greta | last3 = Van Houdenhove | first3 = Boudewijn | author-link = | last4 = Cosyns | first4 = Paul | last5 = Claes | first5 = Stephan J. | date = 2007 | title=Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | url =https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/104468 | journal = Neuropsychobiology|language=en | volume = 55 | issue = 2 | pages = 112β120|doi=10.1159/000104468|issn=0302-282X|quote= | author-link2 = | author-link3 = Boudewijn Van Houdenhove | author-link4 = | author-link5 = |via=}}</ref> This could be partly explained by how some patients report higher levels of ACTH and cortisol early in the disease, with depleted/lower levels as the disease progresses. == See also == * [[Cortisol]] == Learn more == * Anatomy and Physiology | [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m7XflJzm2w ACTH] == References == {{Reflist}} [[Category:Neurotransmitters and hormones]] [[Category:Hormones]]
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