What is the Origin of ACTH?

The term is an acronym for Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, directly referencing its action of stimulating the adrenal cortex. It originates from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, a small but vital structure situated at the base of the brain beneath the hypothalamus. ACTH is synthesized from the larger precursor protein, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which undergoes cleavage to yield several biologically active peptides.

What is the Mechanism of ACTH?

The release of ACTH is triggered by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus in response to stress or circadian rhythms. ACTH then travels through the bloodstream to bind to its specific melanocortin receptor (MC2R) on the adrenal cortex cells. This binding initiates a rapid intracellular signaling cascade that stimulates the initial and rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis, leading to the prompt production and secretion of cortisol and, to a lesser extent, adrenal androgens.

ACTH ∞ Area

ACTH

Meaning

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, or ACTH, is a polypeptide tropic hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland, which serves as a central signaling molecule in the body’s neuroendocrine stress response system. It is a critical component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, directly governing the output of adrenal steroid hormones. Clinically, abnormal ACTH levels are diagnostic markers for primary and secondary adrenal disorders, such as Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease.

A central white sphere, representing a core hormone like Testosterone, is surrounded by textured brown spheres symbolizing cellular receptors and metabolic pathways. Intricate grey structures evoke the neuroendocrine system, highlighting precision dosing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy BHRT for optimal endocrine homeostasis.

How Do Peptides Specifically Target Stress Hormones?

Peptides act as precise biological signals, modulating the HPA axis to recalibrate the body's core response to stress.

∞ Neuropeptide
∞ ACTH
∞ Gut-Brain Axis

HRTioJuly 27, 2025

ACTH

Meaning

Origin

Mechanism

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