Adrenocorticotropic hormone

From WikiLectures

adenohypophysis
a peptide consisting of 39 amino acids
Adrenal cortex
increases the production of glucocorticoids in the adrenal cortex


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:

Secretion disorders:

  • Chronic ACTH stimulation of the adrenal cortex leads to adrenocortical hyperplasia a hypertrophy.
  • ACTH deficiency leads to adrenocortical atrophy.

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