A.C.T.H.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Brittany Rupp
• ACTH is produced from the
anterior lobe of the pituitary
gland.
• The target cells for ACTH are
found in the adrenal cortex.
• A corticotropin-releasing
hormone (CRH) from the
hypothalamus causes ACTH to
be produced.
What about it?
ACTH is a polypeptide
hormone that largely
responds to stress. With
this being the case, the
release of it is more
prominent during times
of illness, injury, and
disease. ACTH causes
the release of cortisone,
which allows you to
handle stress.
How does it work…
In order to enter the
target cell, CRH
binds with the
receptor protein,
ACTH. By doing this
the cell is informed
to allow the protein
to pass through.
How does it enter?
Too Little…
Too Much…
• Addison’s disease occurs
when there is loo little
ACTH in the blood.
• Cushing’s disease is a
result of too much ACTH
in the blood.
Hyperpigmentation
Since ACTH levels vary so much throughout the day, only skilled
endocrinologist can determine safe levels.
How much is enough?
Addison’s Disease
Cushing’s Disease
• ACTH can be
synthetically replaced to
treat Addison’s disease.
This is done so through
cortisone hormone
replacement tablets
(Cortef) or corticosteroid
injections.
• Through surgery, along
with radiation therapy,
part of the pituitary gland
can be removed to treat
Cushing’s disease. Drugs
such as Nizoral can be
used to treat excess
ACTH.
How to treat?