ACTH
Medical abbreviation · Endocrinology & Diabetes
| Stands for | Adrenocorticotropic hormone |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ACTH stands for Adrenocorticotropic hormone, an endocrinology & diabetes abbreviation.
Pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol. Measuring ACTH with cortisol separates adrenal from pituitary causes of adrenal insufficiency and Cushing's syndrome, and synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) is used in the standard stimulation test.
Example: Cosyntropin stimulation: cortisol 9 at 60 minutes with high ACTH, consistent with primary adrenal insufficiency.
Usage notes
Also called corticotropin. ACTH is released in pulses with a morning peak, so samples are timed. High levels in Addison's disease cause skin darkening because ACTH shares a precursor with melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Small-cell lung cancer can secrete ectopic ACTH and cause severe Cushing's syndrome.
Related abbreviations
More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations
- ADH – Antidiuretic hormone
- AI – Adrenal insufficiency
- AID – Automated insulin delivery
- AVP-D – Arginine vasopressin deficiency
- CAH – Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- CGM – Continuous glucose monitor
- CS – Cushing's syndrome
- CSII – Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
- DFU – Diabetic foot ulcer
- DI – Diabetes insipidus
- DKA – Diabetic ketoacidosis
- DM – Diabetes mellitus
See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.