Why does adrenocorticotropic hormone increase?

Today, I will briefly explain to you the reasons for the increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone. High levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone are commonly seen in adrenal hyperplasia, usually in syndromes of heterologous ACTH secretion, burns, trauma, and surgery. It is very necessary to combine clinical manifestations to accurately determine the cause of the disease and prescribe the right medicine for treatment. If the adrenocorticotropic hormone is too high, the human body will show obvious symptoms such as nausea, weak legs, fainting, weakness and even palpitations.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the pituitary gland of vertebrates. It can promote the proliferation of adrenal cortex tissue and the production and secretion of corticosteroids. The production and secretion of ACTH is directly regulated by hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Excessive secretion of corticosteroids can in turn affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, weakening their activities. It stimulates the development and function of the adrenal cortex. It mainly acts on the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, stimulating the secretion of glucocorticoids. When an excess of corticosteroids is injected in vitro, the secretion of ACTH is inhibited and the adrenal cortex atrophies. This is considered essential to induce a state of "stress". ACTH also has the function of regulating antibody production through the adrenal cortex. Has the opposite effect to auxin.

【Reference range】

Radioimmunoassay: 8:00 AM 2.2～16.6pmol/L (10～60pg/ml);

4:00 p.m. 1.1-8.76 pmol/L (5-40 pg/ml);

Midnight 12:000～2.19pmol/L (0～10pg/ml).

【Influencing factors】

1. The sampling has a daily rhythm.

2. Drugs are prohibited before collecting samples to eliminate drug interference with the experiment.

3. Anticoagulate with EDTA or heparin, separate plasma at 4°C, and freeze in a -20°C refrigerator.

Clinical significance

1. Increased ACTH is seen in: ① primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), ACTH insensitivity syndrome and ACTH receptor abnormalities; ② secondary Cushing's disease caused by pituitary tumors; ③ bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (Nelson syndrome), primary or secondary pituitary ACTH adenoma; ④ ectopic ACTH secretion syndrome, lung cancer, anorexia nervosa, pregnancy, and stress states.

2. Decreased ACTH is seen in: ① hypothalamic pituitary insufficiency, pituitary stroke; ② surgical removal of the pituitary, pituitary stalk resection, pituitary ACTH tumor; ③ primary Cushing's disease, adrenal cortical tumor, use of high-dose corticosteroids; ④ adrenal insufficiency secondary to hypopituitarism (Simmonds-Sheehan syndrome).

Through the above introduction, I believe everyone knows why the adrenal cortex hormone increases. In addition, excessive hair generally refers to the increase of body hair. Most people have a family history of excessive hair, but the history is mostly male. Since there is no physiological abnormality, there is no need to worry and no treatment is required.