ACTH

adrenocorticothrophic hormone (ACTH)

Site of production

corticotroph cells of pituitary

Release

released by corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH)
circadian rhythm
secretion augmented by stress
- trauma
- pain
- fear
- hypoglycaemia
- vasopressin
inhibited by glucocorticoids (negative feedback loop)

Actions

controls function of adrenal cortex
- stimulates Cortisol secretion
- + small amounts Androgens and Oestrogen

Disorders

Hyposecretion
- causes failure of cortical secretion, a general lack of health and well being, and a reduced stress response and skin depigmentation.
- Addison's disease
  - hypofunction of adrenal cortex, can be secondary to deficiency in ACTH
Hypersecretion
- Cushing's syndrome
  - excess cortisol can be secondary to hypersecretion of ACTH
    (e.g.from pituitary tumour )

14.2.3.3 ACTH = corticotrophin (from corticotroph cells)

actions on adrenal cortical steroid secretion and growth
control by via hypothalamic CRF, vasopressin stress, hypoglycaemia; diurnal rhythm; steroid feedback
dysfunction: Cushing's disease, Addison's disease	Nelson's syndrome

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