ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN
adrenocorticotrophin: translation
(= ACTH)
A peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland in response to stress (mediated by corticotrophin releasing factor, a 41 residue peptide, from the hypothalamus). Stimulates the release of adrenal cortical hormones, mostly glucocorticoids. Derived from a larger precursor, pro-opimelanocortin, by the action of an endopeptidase, that also releases b -lipotropin.