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ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol in response to stress.
What happens when ACTH is high?
Whenever ACTH is high it can lead to Cushing's disease.
What disease is high ACTH?
Cushing's syndrome or a tumour of the adrenal gland leads to high ACTH levels in the blood.
What is ACTH hormone deficiency?
ACTH hormone deficiency is a condition wherein the hormone level is lower than the required levels.
What is another name for ACTH?
The another name for ACTH is Corticotropin.
ACTH Full Form, ACTH Production and Regulation, Functions
The ACTH full form is Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Learn more about the ACTH production and regulation, Chemical Structure, functions, and ACTH Test Results.
Krati Saraswat7 Jun, 2025
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The ACTH full form is Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is also known as Corticotropin and is a stress hormone that is released whenever the body faces any psychological stress. The pituitary gland stores and releases the hormone and is evaluated to check for any grave disease.
Based on the patient’s symptoms, the health workers prescribed an ACTH test to the patient. The levels can be evaluated for suggesting proper medication to the patient.
ACTH Full Form in English
ACTH full form is Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in your body's response to stress. The release of ACTH stimulates your adrenal glands to produce cortisol, the "stress hormone," and androgens (a group of sex hormones). ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland located below the hypothalamus in your brain, which is a part of your endocrine system. It consists of two lobes: the anterior (front) lobe and the posterior (back) lobe. Your anterior pituitary lobe produces and releases ACTH.
ACTH Full Form in Hindi
एड्रेनोकोर्टिकोट्रोपिक हार्मोन (एसीटीएच) एक हार्मोन है जिसे आपकी पिट्यूटरी ग्रंथि उत्पन्न करती है और यह आपके शरीर के तनाव के प्रतिक्रिया में एक महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है। एसीटीएच के उत्पन्न होने से आपके एड्रेनल ग्लैंड धारित्री कोर्टिसोल, "तनाव हार्मोन", और एंड्रोजेन (एक लिंग हार्मोनों का समूह) उत्पन्न करते हैं। हार्मोन आपके शरीर में विभिन्न कार्यों को समन्वयित करने वाले रसायन होते हैं, जो आपके खून के माध्यम से आपके अंगों, त्वचा, मांसपेशियों और अन्य ऊतकों तक संदेश भेजकर काम करते हैं। ये संकेत आपके शरीर को बताते हैं कि क्या करना है और कब करना है। आपकी पिट्यूटरी ग्रंथि आपके दिमाग के नीचे, आपके हिपोथैलामस के नीचे, एक छोटी, मटकी की आकार की ग्रंथि है। यह आपके एंडोक्राइन सिस्टम का हिस्सा है। आपकी पिट्यूटरी ग्रंथि दो बोझे से बनी होती है: प्राक्तिक (सामने) बोझा और पोस्टीरियर (पीछे) बोझा। आपकी प्राक्तिक पिट्यूटरी बोझा एसीटीएच बनाता और उत्पन्न करता है।
ACTH Full Form in Medical
ACTH full form in medical is Adrenocorticotropic Hormone. It is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a vital role in regulating the production of cortisol. This hormone is also known as the "stress hormone," and is stored by the adrenal glands. ACTH is responsible for maintaining the body's response to stress, metabolism, and immune system functions. Any imbalances in ACTH levels can lead to various endocrine disorders and health issues.
ACTH is produced and regulated in the body through a complex feedback mechanism. It is produced by the anterior pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. The release of ACTH is controlled by the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release ACTH into the bloodstream. Post its release, ACTH is stored in the adrenal glands which binds it to the outer layer called the adrenal cortex, specifically the zona fasciculata. The hormone is situated with binding triggers which release the hormone in the bloodstream whenever the body faces any stress. As the levels of cortisol rise in the blood, it inhibits the secretion of CRH and ACTH. Thus this acts as a signal to reduce the level in the blood to prevent any further damage to the body.
ACTH Chemical Structure
The chemical structure of ACTH is very inert and it is a part of the amino acid family. It is basically a peptide that comprises of 39 amino acids. The structure of the ACTH can be checked in the section below. H-Cys-Ser-Gly-Glu-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-Gly-Lys-Lys-Arg-Arg-Pro-Val-Lys-Val-Tyr-Pro-Asn-Gly-Ala-Glu-Asp-Glu-Ser-Ala-Glu-Ala-Phe-Pro-Leu-Glu-Phe-OH The molecular weight of ACTH in humans is 4,540 atomic mass units.
ACTH Functions
Here are the major functions associated with the ACTH hormone in the body.
ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol in response to stress. The main function of the hormone is to help the body cope with stress and regulation of metabolism and blood pressure
ACTH is a crucial component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When the body faces stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which then stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH. ACTH, in turn, triggers cortisol release from the adrenal glands, preparing the body to respond to the stressor
ACTH also influences the immune system. It can modulate inflammation and immune reactions thus impacting the body's ability to fight infections and manage autoimmune conditions
In certain medical conditions like Addison's disease or Nelson's syndrome, high levels of ACTH can lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin
Cortisol is regulated by ACTH which affects blood pressure by promoting the constriction of blood vessels. This helps maintain blood pressure levels within a normal range.
ACTH influences the reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium in the kidneys. This helps it to maintain the body's electrolyte balance.
Cortisol aids in converting proteins and fats into glucose, providing the body with a quick source of energy during stressful situations
Who Needs an ACTH Test?
ACTH test is recommended to patients based on their medical history and exhibiting symptoms. The health workers evaluate the symptoms of the patient to determine if they need an ACTH test. The following are the major reasons that may lead to testing for the hormone level.
Symptoms of High ACTH Level
Symptoms of Low ACTH Level
Cushing's Syndrome
Adrenal Insufficiency
Weight gain, especially around
Fatigue
The face and abdomen
Muscle weakness
Thinning of the skin
Weight loss
Stretch marks
Low blood pressure
High blood pressure
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle weakness
Dizziness or fainting spells
Mood changes
Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
Salt craving
Glucose intolerance (increased risk of diabetes)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Muscle wasting
Abdominal pain
Osteoporosis
Loss of body hair (in women)
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Irregular menstrual periods (in women)
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Loss of sex drive (in men)
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Cold intolerance
ACTH Test Results
The patient will be administered the ACTH test to determine if he is suffering from any disease or syndrome. The health workers will evaluate the level of ACTH in the body to determine the actual condition of the patient. Here are some results associated with the test result.
High ACTH and high cortisol levels: Cushing's disease
Low ACTH and high cortisol levels: Cushing's syndrome or a tumour of the adrenal gland
High ACTH and low cortisol levels: Addison's disease
