Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Plasma

ACTH measurements are useful in diagnosing disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone which regulates the levels of cortisol in the body. ACTH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland located in the brain and communicates with the adrenal glands to stimulate the production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone which is important for maintaining healthy function of glucose control, balancing of electrolytes and metabolism regulation. When receiving a ACTH test, both ACTH and cortisol are measured. This test helps to reveal levels of ACTH and cortisol which are too high or too low and in doing so, diseases that are related to this. Diseases which can cause a disruption in the levels of ACTH and cortisol include pituitary and adrenal malfunction or tumors and lung tumors. Specific conditions which are tested for include Cushing’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• diabetes or poor glucose control
• low or high blood pressure
• low or high potassium levels
• muscle weakness
• obesity

Also Known As: ACTH, Adrenal Corticotropin, Corticotropin