ACTH - Functions and Values in the Blood

Generality

ACTH is a polypeptide hormone produced in the pituitary (pituitary gland).

Its main function is to stimulate the secretion of other hormones, in particular glucocorticoids (including cortisol) by the adrenal glands (adrenal cortex).

In turn, glucocorticoids affect sugar metabolism and androgen formation.

The secretion of ACTH is controlled at the hypothalamic level by the corticotropin releasing factor (CRH) and by cortisol, through a negative feedback mechanism. Similarly to what happens for cortisol, the production of this hormone is influenced by various factors, such as stress, physical activity and hypoglycemia.
The ACTH assay facilitates the differential diagnosis of pituitary and adrenal disorders, such as Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease and some cancers.