Adrenocorticotropic hormone (
ACTH or
corticotrophin) is a
polypeptide hormone, secreted from the anterior lobe of the
pituitary gland in response to
corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the
hypothalamus. It stimulates the
adrenal gland and boosts the synthesis of
corticosteroids, mainly glucocorticoids but also mineralcorticoids and sex steroids (androgens). Together with ACTH the hormones
lipotropin[?],
melanocyte-stimulating hormone[?] (MSH), β-
endorphin and met-
enkephalin[?] are also released.
See also: Addison's disease[?], Nelson's syndrome[?], Congenital adrenal hyperplasia[?], Cushing's syndrome, adrenoleukodystrophy, ectopic tumor[?].