Adrenocorticotropic hormone (medication)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (medication)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (pronunciation: /ˌædrɪnoʊkɔːrtɪkoʊˈtroʊpɪk/), also known as ACTH or corticotropin, is a polypeptide tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It is often used as a medication in the treatment of certain medical conditions.
Etymology
The term "adrenocorticotropic" is derived from 'adreno-', referring to the adrenal glands, 'cortico-', relating to the cortex of these glands, and '-tropic', from the Greek 'tropos' meaning a turning, in this case indicating a stimulation or effect on the adrenal cortex.
Usage
As a medication, ACTH is used to stimulate the adrenal cortex in order to increase the production of cortisol, a hormone vital for the body's response to stress. It is used in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions such as Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Related Terms
- Cortisol: A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to ACTH. It plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress.
- Tropic hormone: A hormone that stimulates the secretion of another hormone.
- Anterior pituitary gland: The part of the pituitary gland that produces and secretes ACTH.
- Adrenal glands: Small glands located on top of the kidneys that produce hormones such as cortisol in response to ACTH.
- Cortex: The outer layer of the adrenal glands where cortisol is produced.
- Addison's disease: A disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.
- Cushing's syndrome: A disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A group of inherited disorders affecting the adrenal glands.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adrenocorticotropic hormone (medication)
- Wikipedia's article - Adrenocorticotropic hormone (medication)
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