Corticotrophin

Corticotrophin: Main Aspects and Functions

Corticotropin, also known as ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), is an important hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a gland in the brain that plays a key role in regulating various physiological processes in the human body. In this article, we will look at the main aspects and functions of corticotropin.

Corticotropin plays a central role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the production and release of hormones by the adrenal glands. The HPA system includes the hypothalamus - part of the brain, the pituitary gland - a gland located at the base of the brain, and the adrenal glands - paired organs located above the kidneys.

One of the main functions of corticotropin is to regulate the production of corticosteroids such as cortisol in the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays an important role in regulating metabolism, immune function, adaptation to stress, and many other physiological processes in the body.

Secretion of corticotropin is controlled by a hypothalamic releasing hormone known as corticoliberin hormone (CRH). When the level of corticosteroids in the blood decreases or a stressful situation occurs, the hypothalamus produces CRH, which stimulates the release of corticotropin from the anterior pituitary gland. In turn, corticotropin stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release cortisol.

Corticotropin levels may vary depending on the time of day. Typically, its peak concentration is reached in the morning and gradually decreases in the evening. This circadian rhythm is part of a complex regulatory system associated with the body's circadian rhythms.

Corticotropin can also be used in medicine as a drug. Synthetic corticotropin may be used to perform a stimulation test, which assesses adrenal function and corticosteroid production. In addition, corticotropin may be used in the treatment of certain diseases associated with disruption of normal adrenal function.

In conclusion, corticotropin is an important hormone that plays a central role in adrenal regulation and cortisol production. Its functions are related to the regulation of metabolism, adaptation to stress and the maintenance of normal physiological processes in the body. Corticotropin is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its levels may vary depending on the time of day.

The use of synthetic corticotropin in medicine makes it possible to diagnose and treat diseases associated with insufficient adrenal function. It can be used to perform a stimulation test and assess corticosteroid production.

It is important to note that the use of corticotropin for medical purposes should be under the supervision and guidance of a qualified medical professional, as improper use can have negative consequences.

As a result, corticotropin is a key hormone regulating adrenal function and cortisol production. Its role in maintaining normal physiological processes and its use in medicine make it an important subject of research and clinical practice.

Corticotropins are peptide hormones produced by corticotropic cells of the adenohypophysis of the brain and are responsible for regulating the functional activity of the adrenal cortex. Adrenal glucocorticoids have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, their deficiency leads to the so-called Itsenko-Cushing syndrome or adrenogenital syndrome (AGS), complicated by pathological changes in the skin - a moon-shaped hyperpigmented face (“Cornelia de Lange syndrome”), gynecomastia and dwarfism of the body. The pathology develops as a result of disruption of the biosynthesis of cortical hormones and the regulation of the physiological level of their secretion. Corticosteroid-stimulating hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunctions, including congenital and acquired, are usually combined with obesity (lipomatosis) or excessive accumulation of muscle tissue