Each of the physiological processes of the vital activity of the human body is provided by various hormones, which are produced by the glands of internal secretion.
What is ACTH?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone is a peptide hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the work of the adrenal cortex. In turn, the adrenal glands produce glucocorticoid hormones and secrete them into the circulatory system. If adrenocorticotropic hormone is produced in large quantities, the blood flow increases in the adrenal gland, and the gland grows. Conversely, if ACTH is not produced enough, it can atrophy. Corticotropic hormone is also known as corticotropin, and in medical practice use the abbreviated name - ACTH.
Functions of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
The amount of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex corticotropin regulates by the feedback principle: the amount of corticotropin produced by the pituitary gland increases or decreases as needed.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone affects the production of the following hormones:
- glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol and cortisone, which are classified as anti-shock and anti-stress hormones;
- sex hormones, which are responsible for puberty and reproductive function;
- partly for the production of adrenaline.
Based on the above, we can conclude that adrenocorticotropic hormone is directly responsible for:
- resistance of the body to infections;
- adaptation to new conditions;
- survival in stressful situations;
- ability to produce offspring.
The level of ACTH in the blood changes throughout the day. The maximum amount of corticotropin is observed at 7-8 o'clock in the morning, and by the evening its production decreases, falling to the daily minimum. Excessive physical exertion, stress and hormonal disorders in women can also affect the amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone in the blood. Increased or decreased levels of ACTH have an adverse effect on the functioning of the body and may be a symptom of serious diseases.
If ACTH is elevated
Adrenocorticotropic hormone is elevated in such diseases:
- syndrome of ectopic production of ACTH when this hormone begins to produce a tumor that has appeared in some other organ;
- Addison's disease or congenital pathology of the adrenal gland;
- Itzenko-Cushing's disease, which occurs as a result of pituitary adenoma;
- after surgical intervention for the removal of the adrenal glands;
- paraneoplastic syndrome, in which there is a peculiar reaction of the pituitary gland to a malignant tumor, most often in the pancreas.
Also, the level of ACTH increases with the use of certain drugs, for example, insulin, amphetamine or lithium preparations.
If ACTH is lowered
Adrenocorticotropic hormone is lowered in the following pathologies:
- decreased pituitary function ;
- decreased function of the adrenal cortex;
- when there are neoplasms of the adrenal glands;
- with hormonal therapy, when patients take glucocorticoids;
- bronchial and lung diseases.
It should also be noted that the doctor can prescribe an analysis for serum levels of ACTH if the following symptoms are observed:
- increased fatigue;
- stress resistance;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- hypertension.
Also, a similar study is conducted to monitor the state of the body when treating hormonal drugs.
Do not neglect the appointment of a doctor to conduct an analysis of the ACTH level. By its results, you can put the right diagnosis on time and start an adequate treatment.