Lever
Lifestyle
- Manage stress through mindfulness or meditation
- Ensure adequate sleep
- Regular physical activity
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Blutwerte · Marker
ACTH
Adrenocorticotropin · Adrenocorticotropes Hormon · Corticotropin
Hormone — StressachseZeitabhängig
- Einheit:
- pg/mL
ACTH quantifies the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone in the blood, reflecting pituitary function and adrenal stimulation.
Reference Ranges
Reference
7.2–63.3pg/mL
7.2
63.3
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · pg/mLACTH levels are influenced by circadian rhythms, peaking in the early morning and declining throughout the day.
Overview
Übersicht
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, which is vital for stress response, metabolism, and immune function. Clinically, ACTH is significant in diagnosing disorders of the adrenal and pituitary glands. Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as Cushing's disease, where there is excessive production of cortisol due to pituitary adenomas secreting ACTH. Conversely, low levels can be indicative of secondary adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, ACTH and its downstream effects on cortisol can influence energy metabolism, recovery, and stress resilience. However, researchers found that interpreting ACTH levels can be complex due to factors such as diurnal variation, stress, and concurrent medications. Therefore, it is essential to consider these variables when assessing ACTH levels, as they can confound the results and lead to misinterpretation.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated ACTH levels may indicate Cushing's disease or ectopic ACTH syndrome, while low levels suggest secondary adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising ACTH levels may suggest worsening of conditions like Cushing's disease. Retesting is recommended within 4-6 weeks.
Falling Values
Falling ACTH levels could indicate improvement in conditions like Cushing's disease or response to treatment.
Re-test Interval
4-6 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Cushing's disease
- Ectopic ACTH syndrome
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Stress
- Pituitary adenoma
Cause
Low Levels
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency
- Hypopituitarism
- Exogenous glucocorticoid use
- Adrenal adenoma
- Pituitary damage
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Include foods rich in vitamin C
- Ensure adequate protein intake
- Limit caffeine intake
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle or dietary changes, especially if underlying health conditions are present.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
ACTH levels peak in the early morning; testing is often done at this time for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for those with adrenal or pituitary disorders, or as directed by a healthcare provider.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Stress
- Medications affecting cortisol
- Time of day
Related Peptides & Hormones
Cortisol
hormoneDirectly measures
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the relationship between salivary cortisol and plasma ACTH levels lacks a consistent linearity, indicating potential confounders that remain understudied, particularly in psychological stress contexts. Researchers have not yet established optimal reference ranges for ACTH in various conditions, such as ectopic Cushing's syndrome. Additionally, clinical questions regarding the best methods for monitoring ACTH levels post-surgery and the impact of psychological factors on ACTH responses remain unanswered.
26 Research Publications
8,303
Total Citations
3
Human/RCT
81.6
Avg. Influence
2023
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Acute stressors and cortisol responses: a theoretical integration and synthesis of laboratory research.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence481.0
5856
This meta-analysis reviewed the effects of acute psychological stressors on cortisol levels, finding that tasks perceived as uncontrollable or socially evaluative elicited the largest cortisol and ACTH responses. Researchers observed significant variability in cortisol responses based on task characteristics.
02Top
#02
Salivary cortisol as a biomarker in stress research.
ReviewInfluence51.0
1868
Researchers found that salivary cortisol is commonly used as a biomarker for psychological stress, but its relationship with plasma ACTH and cortisol levels is not always linear. The study discusses various biological and psychological factors that may affect salivary cortisol measures.
03Top
#03
Pathophysiology of hypercortisolism in depression.
UnknownInfluence21.0
267
This study investigated the dynamics of ACTH and cortisol in depressed patients, finding that hypercortisolemia is associated with melancholic and psychotic subtypes. Researchers noted increased ACTH secretion regardless of cortisol levels, indicating central HPA axis overdrive in severe depression.
04
#04
Response of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis to nicotine.
ReviewInfluence13.0
145
Researchers reviewed the effects of nicotine on ACTH secretion, finding that nicotine stimulates the HPA axis through central mechanisms. The study highlighted the role of brainstem catecholaminergic pathways in mediating this response, suggesting a complex interaction.
05
#05
Cushing's disease.
Review
59
This study focused on Cushing's disease, characterized by excessive ACTH secretion from the pituitary gland. Researchers found that initial diagnosis involves documenting hypercortisolism, followed by identifying the underlying cause, often requiring surgical intervention.
06
#06
Canine hypoadrenocorticism: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
ReviewInfluence3.0
56
This study examined hypoadrenocorticism in dogs, a rare condition caused by immune-mediated adrenal gland destruction. Researchers found that definitive diagnosis requires ACTH stimulation testing to demonstrate low cortisol levels, and many dogs may present with normal serum electrolytes despite showing various clinical symptoms.
07
#07
Cushing’s disease and melancholia.
Review
13
This study explored the similarities between Cushing's disease and melancholic depression, noting shared laboratory abnormalities such as elevated cortisol and ACTH levels. Researchers emphasized the need for dynamic endocrine tests to differentiate between the two conditions.
08
#08
Diagnosis of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.
Review
11
Researchers examined equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), emphasizing the importance of basal ACTH concentration for diagnosis. The study found that combining clinical judgment with diagnostic testing improves accuracy in identifying this condition in aged horses.
09
#09
Effect of CRF, ACTH and adrenal steroids on sodium intake and excretion of rabbits.
In VitroInfluence1.0
8
Researchers studied the effects of CRF, ACTH, and adrenal steroids on sodium intake and excretion in rabbits. They found that intracerebroventricular infusion of CRF increased sodium turnover, indicating a complex interaction with ACTH and adrenal hormones.
10
#10
Cushing syndrome from an ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma: structured review of 94 cases.
ReviewInfluence1.0
8
Researchers conducted a structured review of 94 cases of ACTH-producing pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas. They found that these tumors co-secrete catecholamines and ACTH, leading to significant morbidity, with most patients achieving a cure after surgical intervention.
Clinical Trials (9)
9
Total Trials
563
Total Enrolled
Evaluation of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) With [18F]FET for the Detection of ACTH-Secreting Corticotroph Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors.
NCT07463625RECRUITING
Sponsor
Hospices Civils de Lyon
Enrollment
20
Started
2023
Primary outcome
[18F]FET PET Performance for Localizing Corticotroph Pituitary Adenomas
Cushing DiseaseACTH-producing Pituitary Tumour
Implications of Different Analgesic Models on Inflammatory Markers After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
NCT04609033COMPLETED
Sponsor
Assiut University
Enrollment
110
Started
2020
Primary outcome
postoperative level of ACTH hormone
Perioperative Pain
A Study of Acthar Gel Alone or With Tacrolimus to Reduce Proteinuria in Fibrillary Glomerulopathy Patients
Sponsor
NephroNet, Inc.
Enrollment
34
Started
2019
Primary outcome
The change in UP/CR ratio with treatment of Acthar gel 80 units subcutaneous 2 times a week alone
Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis
Treatment of CNS Sarcoidosis With H.P. Acthar Gel
Sponsor
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Enrollment
4
Started
2016
Primary outcome
Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) Score
CNS Sarcoidosis
Acthar for Treatment of Proteinuria in Diabetic Nephropathy Patients
Sponsor
Mallinckrodt
Enrollment
34
Started
2012
Primary outcome
Percent Change in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) at Visit 12
Diabetic Nephropathy
Stress Level and the Relationship With IVF Outcomes.
NCT02638662COMPLETED
Sponsor
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Enrollment
276
Started
2010
Primary outcome
Biomarkers Cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH.
Infertility
Effect of Calcipotriol Plus Hydrocortisone Ointment on the Adrenal Hormone Balance and Calcium Metabolism in Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris on the Face and Skin Folds
Sponsor
LEO Pharma
Enrollment
33
Started
2008
Primary outcome
The Adrenal Response to the ACTH Challenge Test Defined as the Serum Cortisol Concentration Obtained After 30 and 60 Minutes
Psoriasis Vulgaris
Remifentanil and Stress Hormones Response
NCT03378674COMPLETED
Sponsor
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
Enrollment
50
Started
2008
Primary outcome
ACTH levels changes
Stress Response
Rosiglitazone in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Tumor (Cushing Disease)
Sponsor
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Enrollment
2
Started
2007
Primary outcome
Number of Responders
Cushing's Disease
Publication Trend
Research publications about ACTH over time
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