anti-ACTH, pAb

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a peptide hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a central role in regulating the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing vital hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. The main function of ACTH is to stimulate the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal glands) to produce and release cortisol, a hormone involved in regulating stress response, metabolism, immune function, and blood sugar. The production of ACTH is tightly controlled by a negative feedback loop involving cortisol. When cortisol levels in the blood are high, they signal the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to decrease the production of ACTH, thus reducing cortisol release.