Adreno Corticotrophic
Hormone (ACTH)

What is the Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) test?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland (located below the brain within the skull) to stimulate the secretion of the hormone cortisol by the adrenal glands (small organs found at the top of each kidney). Stress can stimulate the release of ACTH. Cortisol is important for regulating glucose, protein, lipid metabolism, suppressing the immune response, and maintaining blood pressure. Normally, the ACTH concentration increases when cortisol is low and falls when cortisol is high.