ACTH (Hormone)

ACTH is the adrenocorticotropic hormone also known as corticotropin.It is produced in the cells of the anterior pituitary (front lobe of the pituitary gland) under the influence of CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone). ACTH, in turn, controls the biosynthesis and release of hormones from the adrenal cortex.

The process

Material needed

  • EDTA blood

Preparation of the patient

  • Not necessary

Disruptive factors

  • Bringing to the lab by car service or
  • Centrifuge, sieve and send in frozen.

Normal value

Time of day Normal value in pg/ml
8-10 10-60
20-22 3-30

Indications

  • Suspected adrenocortical insufficiency (hypofunction of the adrenal cortex).
  • Suspicion of Cushing’s syndrome – group of diseases leading to hypercortisolism (hypercortisolism) – oversupply of cortisol.

Interpretation

Interpretation of increased values

Interpretation of decreased values

  • Primary Cushing’s syndrome (due to a tumor of the adrenal cortex).
  • Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (due to: pituitary tumors, hypothalamic tumors (e.g., craniopharyngeoma, germinoma, etc.), tumor metastases, granulomas (e.g., sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, eosinophilic granuloma, etc.), hemochromatosis, amyloidosis, trauma, radiotherapy, Sheehan’s syndrome)
  • Tertiary adrenal insufficiency (due to hypothalamic dysfunction).