ACTH Hormone: Introduction, Synthetization, Functions, Disorders

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Hormones are known for coordinating chemicals, integrating, and regulating within the human body. The pituitary gland, located in the bottom region of the human brain, emits the majority of human chemicals or hormones. The master gland, as it is often known, manages the functions of many organs.

Also Read: Glucose and Fructose

Key Terms: Hormones, Endocrine Gland, Pituitary Gland, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Cortisol, Cortex

---

Introduction to Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), also known as corticotropin, arginine vasopressin, adrenocorticotrophin, or serum adrenocorticotropic hormone, is a steroidal substance. It forms a lengthy polypeptide chain composed of 39 amino acids, the first 13 amino acids out of these 39 are linked with Alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormones.

ACTH hormone release is triggered by a corticotropin-releasing hormone, that is the reason why the hypothalamus is being added to this axis, as corresponding to neurological signals from the body the same hormone is released by the hypothalamus.

Read Also: Cell Biology

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is required for the adrenal glands to function properly. The main ACTH chemical capability is to keep up with the important aspects of this group of glands, as you can easily point out from its name only. Production of these hormones takes place in the cortex region of the adrenal gland, as these glands are considered to be responsible for the production and release of stress or cortisol hormones.

Also Read:

---

What Is The Process Of Synthesizing ACTH Hormone?

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Hormone runs across the bloodstream to the adrenal glands for activation. The release of ACTH is regulated by three crucial areas of the body, namely, the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland. This hormone’s level is the highest in the morning, reducing during the afternoon till the evening and getting the lowest at the night.

ACTH Synthesise

Hence proved it is that working persistently and under pressure causes cortisol to be released into the circulatory system and let its production be shut down by reaching the hypothalamus. The diurnal or circadian rhythm refers to this rhythmic synthesis action and dropping of the ACTH hormonal level during the day.

Read Also: Nucleotide and Nucleoside

---

ACTH Hormone: Functions and Disorders

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

The functions primarily dependent on the ACTH hormone are resorption of bone, protein catabolism, dehydroepiandrosterone, muscle, and bone anabolic effects, stimulating spermatogenesis in men, and metabolization of androgens, glucose, lipolysis, immunosuppression, and hyperglycemia.

On the other hand, when in the bloodstream there is an aberrant level of ACTH, it might indicate the presence of an anomaly in the physiology of the cerebrum, adrenal organs, and so on. It can be caused by pituitary tumours, Cushing's disease, adrenal insufficiencies such as Addison's disease, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Also Read:

---

Effects of High and Low level of ACTH Hormone

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Medically, the 6.0 to 76 pg/ml (1.3 to 16.7 pmol/L) is considered to be the normal level of ACTH hormones, which normally varies due to gender and age. The variation in the ACTH level is sensed by the receptors of the adrenal gland.

If the ACTH level is low in comparison to the average, the individual is supposed to be suffering from Cushing disorder. Hypopituitarism is the incidental consequence of pituitary organ surgery, and other Cushing's diseases can all contribute to reduced adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Cushing Syndrome

If an individual's ACTH level is high in comparison to normal esteem, the individual is considered to be suffering from Addison disease. Greater ACTH levels are primarily caused by the adrenal organ stimulating receptors for more cortisol production, resulting in an increase in blood cells' cortisol levels.

Read More: Structure of Glucose and Fructose

As cortisol levels rise, there is a pause in the release of corticotropin-releasing chemicals from ACTH from the pituitary organ and hypothalamus and ACTH levels begin to plummet, referred to as the negative feedback loop, as both physical and emotional stress factors have their effect on its levels.

Addison’s Disease

Regulating the production of ACTH in the body mainly causes ACTH-related disorders depending on increased or decreased levels of ACTH production along with certain difficulties that arise in a person as they get older and the changes in their lifestyles.

---

Things to Remember

• A polypeptide tropic hormone is known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). 
• An ACTH test is usually used in conjunction with a cortisol test to diagnose pituitary or adrenal organ problems.
• The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) controls the elements of the adrenal organs. These organs are responsible for producing hormones such as aldosterone, cortisol, noradrenaline, and adrenaline.
• The ACTH hormone capacity is necessary for proper functioning, improvement of the human body, and managing digestion, glucose levels, water-support balance, pulse, pregnancy, adolescence, sexual development attributes, sex hormone balance, and so on.
• ACTH is an adrenocorticotropic hormone that is released by the pituitary gland's first projection and is specifically produced in corticotroph cells. 

Also Read: