Description

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone that stimulates the production of cortisol, produced by the pituitary gland. Cortisol is a steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that is important for regulating glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism, suppressing the immune system's response, and helping to maintain blood pressure. This test measures the amount of ACTH in the blood.

ACTH is useful in differentiating between primary and secondary adrenocortical hypo- and hyper function disorder, such as:

Addison ’s disease

Crushing’s Syndrome

Adrenal Carcinoma

Ectopic ACTH Syndrome

Nodular Hyperplasma