ACTH

American  

[ey-see-tee-eych] / ˈeɪˈsiˈtiˈeɪtʃ /

abbreviation

1. Biochemistry. a polypeptide hormone, produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates the cortex of adrenal glands.

2. Pharmacology. this substance, extracted from the pituitary glands of hogs and other species, in the form of its white, water-soluble powder, used for the diagnosis of diseases that impair the adrenal glands.

---

ACTH British  

noun

1. Also called: corticotrophin.  adrenocorticotrophic hormone; a polypeptide hormone, secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates growth of the adrenal gland and the synthesis and secretion of corticosteroids. It is used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, allergic and skin diseases, and many other disorders

---

ACTH Scientific  

1. Abbreviation of adrenocorticotropic hormone

---

Etymology

Origin of ACTH

First recorded in 1940–45; a(dreno)c(ortico)t(ropic) h(ormone); adrenocorticotropic ( def. )

Example Sentences

ACTH, a hormone made by the pituitary gland that controls cortisol production, was at normal levels in the Long Covid group.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 16, 2022

While both might be low in pituitary failure, this is a rare condition and would show both low TSH and ACTH.

From New York Times • Apr. 21, 2017

Dr Feltenstein administered ACTH, a steroid, but Thomas was still in pain from his gastritis and gout.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2013

The long-term stress response is mediated by the secretion of CRH from the hypothalamus, which triggers ACTH, which in turn stimulates the secretion of corticosteroids from the adrenal cortex.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

It’s great for pH, ACTH, LDL, whatever ails you.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 7, 2010