Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ACTH is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland and is often produced in response to biological stress. Its principal effect is increased production and release of cortisol by the cortex of the adrenal gland. ACTH also plays a role in circadian rhythm in many organisms. Deficiency of ACTH leads to a reduction in the secretion of adrenal hormones (e.g. adrenaline, aldosterone and cortisol), resulting in secondary adrenal insufficiency (hypoadrenalism), the manifestations of which are clinically indistinguishable from those of glucocorticoid deficiency. Symptoms include weight loss, lack of appetite, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, and low blood pressure (hypotension). ACTH deficiency can either be congenital or acquired, and several genetic mutations have been linked to this disease. In contrast, chronically elevated ACTH levels occur in primary adrenal insufficiency in which damage to the adrenal glands prevents them from producing the hormones in adequate amounts. An example is Addison’s disease which can be caused by autoimmune disorders or infections, such as TB or HIV, and tumors. Another disorder, Cushing’s disease, can be caused by medication or by a pituitary tumor and leads to an excess of cortisol (hypercortisolism). Quantitative plasma ACTH assays are useful in the
differential diagnosis of pituitary Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, autonomous ACTH producing pituitary tumors (e.g. Nelson’s syndrome), hypopituitarism with ACTH deficiency and ectopic ACTH syndrome. Hypopituitarism with ACTH deficiency, which is secondary adrenocortical insufficiency, is characterized by low plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations, and a subnormal, but usually distinct adrenal response to stimulation with synthetic ACTH (Cortrosyn).
Reagents for Immunoassay Development
E54057M
MAb to ACTH N-Terminal • Specific for Synacthen (1-24 ACTH) • Reacts with ACTH (a.a. 1–17) and has no cross-reactivity with CLIP (ACTH 17-39)
Suitable for use in ELISA & IHC
MAb to ACTH N-Terminal • Capture antibody • Reacts with ACTH a.a. 1–39 and a.a. 1-24 • Minimal cross reaction (< 0.02%) with CLIP, ß-LPH, ß-endorphin and Insulin MAb to ACTH N-Terminal • Detection antibody • Reacts with ACTH a.a. 1–39 and a.a. 1-24 • Minimal cross reaction (< 0.02%) with CLIP, ß-LPH, ß-endorphin and Insulin
E01372M
Suitable for ELISA, WB and IHC
E01373M
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Endocrine Disorders- Reagents for Assay Development
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