Clinical Significance

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a peptide hormone secreted by the vertebrate pituitary gland that promotes tissue hyperplasia and the production and secretion of corticosteroids in the adrenal cortex; the production and secretion of ACTH is directly regulated by hypothalamic CRH-releasing factor. Excess corticotropin secretion in turn affects the pituitary and hypothalamus, weakening their activity. It has a stimulating effect on the development and function of the adrenal cortex. ACTH also has a role in regulating antibody production through the adrenal cortex. It acts in the opposite way to growth hormone.