What is the function of the ACTH hormone?

What is the function of the ACTH hormone?

ACTH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. ACTH controls the production of another hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands, two small glands located above the kidneys.

Is ACTH anterior pituitary?

The anterior pituitary produces ACTH. It is considered a tropic hormone. Tropic hormones indirectly affect target cells by first stimulating other endocrine glands.

What are the functions of anterior pituitary hormones?

The anterior pituitary gland produces the following hormones and releases them into the bloodstream:

• adrenocorticotropic hormone, which stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete steroid hormones, principally cortisol.
• growth hormone, which regulates growth, metabolism and body composition.

How does ACTH affect pituitary gland?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plays a large role in how your body responds to stress. ACTH is produced in the pituitary gland, its production stimulates the production and release of cortisol from the adrenal gland.

What triggers the release of anterior pituitary hormones?

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone Puberty is initiated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hormone produced and secreted by the hypothalamus. GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete gonadotropins—hormones that regulate the function of the gonads.

How is high ACTH treated?

Radiation therapy, which is administered over a six-week period to the pituitary gland, has yielded improvement in 40-50 percent of adults and up to 85 percent of children. Stereotactic radiosurgery has also been found to be an effective treatment for patients with ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

What is a good ACTH level?

Normal values — Plasma corticotropin (ACTH) concentrations are usually between 10 and 60 pg/mL (2.2 and 13.3 pmol/L) at 8 AM.