Question

What happens to ACTH levels with Addison's disease?

Answer 1

ACTH:

1. The anterior pituitary gland produces and secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is a polypeptide tropic hormone.
2. ACTH regulates the synthesis of another hormone known as cortisol.
3. The adrenal glands, two tiny glands positioned above the kidneys, produce cortisol.

Addison's disease:

1. Addison's disease is a kind of primary adrenal insufficiency that develops over time.
2. When an autoimmune mechanism develops primary adrenal insufficiency, the disorder is referred to as Addison disease.
3. It is an uncommon but possibly fatal emergency condition.

Role of ACTH in Addison's disease:

1. It is caused by bilateral adrenal cortex loss, which results in reduced adrenocortical hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.
2. When blood cortisol levels fall, pituitary ACTH synthesis rises.
3. ACTH levels in Addison disease patients have frequently increased to values more than 250 pg/mL