Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone found in the human body. It is secreted from the corticotropes in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. ACTH is classified as a peptide hormone. It consists of 39 amino acids.
Secretion and Production
ACTH is produced in and secreted from the corticotropes in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It is secreted in response to corticotrophin-releasing hormone released by the hypothalamus.
ACTH regulates the activity of the cortex of the adrenal gland. This part of the adrenal gland contains two areas called the zona reticularis and zona fasciculate — the areas where many steroid hormones are formed. Therefore, ACTH boosts the synthesis of corticosteroids, including glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, and androgens.
Pharmacological Uses
ACTH was first isolated in 1943 and synthesized in 1963. It only has one common use –as an inflammation reducer in patients suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease), and some types of hepatitis (an inflammatory disease of the liver).
The medical use of ACTH as an anti-inflammatory drug was first studied by Philip Hench and Edward Kendall, two scientists who were searching for a pain reliever for arthritis patients. Hench and Kendall received the Nobel Prize in 1950 for their achievement in research and development of synthesized ACTH.