Adrenocorticotropic hormone

Adrenokortikotropní hormon (ACTH) is hormone of the anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis), that controls the activity of the adrenal cortex. The cortex of the adrenal gland consists of three layers – zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis. The zona fasciculata and reticularis are controlled by ACTH. ACTH production is controlled from the hypothalamus with the help of hormones - corticoliberin (CRH, increases secretion) and corticostatin (CRH-IH, decreases secretion). The main function of ACTH is to increase the production of glucocorticoids (cortisol) in the adrenal cortex.

Chemical structure:


 * It is a peptide consisting of 39 amino acids and its precursor is propiomelanocortin.

Secretion disorders:
 * Chronic ACTH stimulation of the adrenal cortex leads to adrenocortical hyperplasia a hypertrophy.
 * ACTH deficiency leads to adrenocortical atrophy.

Related articles

 * Glucocorticoids
 * The adrenal medulla
 * Adenohypophysis