adrenocorticotropic hormone (acth)
acth (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, located below the brain. acth activates glands on the kidneys (adrenal glands) to make cortisol, a substance that helps the body deal with stress.
when cortisol levels in the blood rise, the acth levels in a healthy person normally fall in response. when cortisol levels decrease, acth levels normally rise.
current as of: may 13, 2023
author: healthwise staff
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