What does adrenocorticotropic hormone do?

Secretin is the first hormone discovered. This important discovery attracted great attention from scientists. Since then, they have discovered many more hormones. Among them, there is a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone, which is secreted by the pituitary gland. Different hormones have different chemical compositions. So what is the chemical composition of adrenocorticotropic hormone? What is its function? The editor will tell you the answer.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the pituitary gland of vertebrates. It can promote the proliferation of adrenal cortex tissue and the production and secretion of corticosteroids. The production and secretion of ACTH is directly regulated by hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Excessive secretion of corticosteroids can in turn affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, weakening their activities. It stimulates the development and function of the adrenal cortex.

It mainly acts on the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, stimulating the secretion of glucocorticoids.

When an excess of corticosteroids is injected in vitro, the secretion of ACTH is inhibited and the adrenal cortex atrophies. This is considered essential to induce a state of "stress". ACTH also has the function of regulating antibody production through the adrenal cortex. Has the opposite effect to auxin.

The secretion of ACTH is pulsatile and strained, and the frequency and amplitude of its release are related to the circadian rhythm. The general trend is that the ACTH level in the blood peaks before awakening in the early morning and reaches a low point when sleeping soundly in the middle of the night. In stressful situations, such as burns, injuries, poisoning, and when the body is attacked and responds with a warning, the secretion of ACTH increases, which in turn stimulates the release of adrenal cortex hormones and enhances resistance. It can be used medically for anti-inflammation, anti-allergy, etc.

It turns out that adrenocorticotropic hormone has such a great effect. The effects of strengthening myocardial contractility and increasing excitability can be used to strengthen the patient's heart beat during medical surgery, thereby reducing surgical risks. However, that is limited to small amounts, because large doses of hormones can cause abdominal pain, arrhythmia and other symptoms. Therefore, any medicine has its advantages and disadvantages, so we should use it with caution.