ACTH

ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone; see corticotropin.

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ACTH (st-ch)

n.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone; a hormone that is produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and that stimulates the secretion of cortisone, aldosterone, and other hormones by the adrenal cortex. Also called adrenocorticotropin, adrenotropin, corticotropin.

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ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone, a hormone normally produced by the pituitary gland, sometimes taken as a treatment for arthritis and other disorders.

Mentioned in: Anaphylaxis

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ACTH,

n.pr See adrenocorticotropic hormone.

ACTH.

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ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hor-mone) (drē´nōkor´tikōtrō´pik hor´mōn),

n a hormone produced by basophilic cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that exerts a reciprocal regulating influence on the production of corticosteroids by the adrenal cortex.

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ACTH

adrenocorticotropic hormone; produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland to secrete its hormones, including corticosterone. If production of ACTH falls below normal, the adrenal cortex decreases in size, and production of the cortical hormones declines. Called also adrenocorticotropin and corticotropin.

Its principal use is as a diagnostic agent: e.g. in the differentiation of primary adrenocortical neoplasia and adrenocortical hyperplasia.

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ACTH assay

determination of plasma levels of ACTH may be used to identify pituitary-dependent hypo- or hyperadrenocorticism.

ACTH cells

see chromophobe.

ACTH gel

a commercially available form of ACTH in gelatin with prolonged action.

ACTH response test, ACTH stimulation test

measures the secretory capacity of the adrenal cortex in response to a supraphysiological dose of exogenous ACTH. This test is commonly used in the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs. An increased response is consistent with adrenocortical hyperplasia.

ACTH-secreting adenoma

see corticotroph adenoma.

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ACTH Adrenocorticotrophic hormone Endocrinology A 39-amino acid hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, which regulates adrenocortical activity, stimulating release of cortisol, mineralocorticoids, and adrenal androgens; pituitary ACTH is in turn regulated by corticotropin-releasing hormone–CRH; ACTH is ↑ in pituitary-dependent Cushing syndrome Daily pattern ACTH levels vary over the space of a 24 hr day, peaking at 6–8 am and 6–11 pm; ACTH suppression or stimulation testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of changes in adrenal function; ACTH is ↑ in Addison's disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's disease, ectopic ACTH-producing tumors, Nelson syndrome; ACTH is ↓ in 2º adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenal carcinoma, adenoma. See Cushing syndrome.