ACTH

The ACTH test is crucial for assessing hormonal status and diagnosing various endocrine disorders. IntroLab in Belgrade provides reliable ACTH test results, along with expert interpretation and personalized recommendations for patients.

What is ACTH?

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland; a small gland located in the brain. Its main role is to stimulate the synthesis and secretion of cortisol from the adrenal glands. Cortisol is a hormone that regulates metabolic processes, immune response, and stress reactions, playing a vital role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis.

ACTH hormone levels

ACTH levels in the blood fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning and reaching their lowest in the evening. This circadian variation is regulated by complex mechanisms in the brain. Disruptions in ACTH secretion can lead to various health conditions.

High levels may indicate:

• Adrenal gland tumors
• Hypopituitarism
• Excessive use of steroid medications

Low levels may indicate:

• Addison’s disease
• Cushing’s disease
• Ectopic ACTH-producing tumors

When is ACTH testing performed?

Testing is recommended in the following situations:

• Suspected Cortisol Secretion Disorders: The test is used to evaluate adrenal gland function and identify disorders in cortisol secretion, including conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, and other adrenal or pituitary gland disorders.
• Differential Diagnosis: The test helps differentiate between various forms of Cushing’s syndrome and other hormonal disorders related to the adrenal and pituitary glands.
• Monitoring Therapy: For patients undergoing treatment for hormonal disorders, the test is used to monitor therapy effectiveness and assess the body’s response to treatment.

Conditions and diseases diagnosed with ACTH testing:

• Cushing’s Syndrome: This condition is characterized by a collection of symptoms and signs related to high cortisol levels in the blood, regardless of the source of the excess hormone.
• Cushing’s Disease: Usually caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland that overproduces ACTH, leading to elevated cortisol levels in the blood and various symptoms due to cortisol’s effects on the body.
• Addison’s Disease: This condition occurs when cortisol levels are low due to damage to the adrenal glands.
• Pituitary Tumors: Tumors in the pituitary gland, such as adenomas or carcinomas, can affect ACTH secretion and cause hormonal imbalances.
• Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: Reduced cortisol secretion resulting from pituitary gland dysfunction.
• Hypothalamic Disorders: Various traumas, tumors, and brain injuries can disrupt ACTH hormone secretion.

Ectopic production of adrenocorticotropic hormone

Ectopic production of adrenocorticotropic hormone occurs when the hormone is produced outside the pituitary gland, usually due to tumors. The most common cause of ectopic ACTH production is small cell lung carcinoma, which is associated with this condition in most cases. However, other tumors, such as thymus tumors, pancreatic adenocarcinomas, and bronchial carcinoids, can also produce ACTH.