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ACTH

ACTH

2 7.2
A hormone made by the front of the pituitary gland that tells the adrenal glands to make stress hormones
  • noun
  • /ˈæktɪtʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ACTH
  • Doctors measure ACTH levels to assess adrenal gland function and diagnose related disorders.
  • hormone called ACTH

Examples

  • We did not investigate ACTH levels, but it is unlikely that the steroid triggered any significant suppression.

    Academic text (2005)
  • In response to stress, your body increases the production of ACTH, leading to higher levels of corticosteroids.

  • Her ACTH levels just shot through the roof!

  • Your cortisol level goes up, your ACTH level goes up.

  • So suppose you throw in some CRH on top of the pituitary there injected into the circulation, and this much ACTH comes out.

  • (n4) Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation was seen as long as 2 weeks following administration in these animals.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Waldenström J. 1950. The diagnostic importance of ACTH. Acta Endocrinologica 5: 235-242.

    Academic text (2012)
  • ACTH is crucial because it stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroids.

Synonyms

corticotropin
vsACTH
  • Specialized
1 9.4

A hormone from a small gland at the brain base that tells adrenal glands to make stress hormones

means the same thing with no real difference
adrenocorticotrophic hormone
vsACTH
  • Specialized
6.9

A hormone from the front part of the pituitary gland that tells the adrenal gland to make stress hormones

means the same thing with no real difference
adrenocorticotropin
vsACTH
  • Specialized
9.4

A hormone made by a gland in the brain that tells the glands above the kidneys to release stress hormones

means the same thing with no significant difference
adrenocorticotropic hormone
vsACTH
  • Specialized
6.6

A hormone made by a gland in the brain that tells the adrenal glands to make stress hormones

is narrower specifying corticosteroids rather than all steroid hormones
adrenocorticotrophin
vsACTH
  • Specialized
9.9

A hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the adrenal gland to release stress hormones

is more specific about which hormones are released

Surface Forms

ACTH singular
ACTHs plural

Etymology

ACTH is short for adrenocorticotropic hormone, and the name breaks into adreno- meaning 'adrenal', cortico- meaning 'outer part', and -tropic meaning 'acting on'. So, ACTH is a hormone that 'acts on' the adrenal cortex to make hormones that help the body respond to stress.