Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Question 1

 Also known as corticotropin is a polypeptide tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
 It is an important component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is often produced in response to biological stress (along with corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus).
 Its principal effects are increased production of androgens and, as its name suggests, cortisol from the adrenal cortex.

Answer 1

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Question 2

ACTH
Highest level is between _______; lowest level is between ________

Answer 2

6-8AM; 6-11PM

Question 3

Specimen for testing should not be allowed to have contact with glass because ACTH adheres to glass surface causing a decreased level, instead it should be placed in a

Answer 3

prechilled polysterene tubes

Question 4

 ACTH stimulates ____________uptake into cortical cells. This __________the bio-availability of cholesterol in the cells of the adrenal cortex.

Answer 4

lipoprotein; increases

Question 5

 ACTH increases the transport of cholesterol into the mitochondria and activates its

Answer 5

hydrolysis

Question 6

ACTH Associated conditions (increased)

Answer 6

 Addison’s disease
 Small cell carcinoma (a common cause of ACTH secreted ectopically)
 Adrenoleukodystrophy
 Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
 Cushing’s syndrome
 Nelson’s syndrome

Question 7

a common cause of ACTH secreted ectopically

Answer 7

Small cell carcinoma