| |
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone |
| Test | Adrenocorticotrophic hormone |
| Indication | Adrenal and pitutary gland disorders |
| Physiology | Under the conditions of stress ACTH produced by the pituatry gland stimulates adrenal cortex to release cortisol.Both cortisol and ACTH levels are to be determined. Hydrocortisone is the major steroid hormone synthesised. |
| Normal Range | ACTH - Morning-25-50pg/ml, evening-0-50pg/ml |
| Interpretation | increased levels indicate cushings syndrome characterised by hyperglycemia,hypertension,weight gain,impotency and physcological disordersDexamethasone supression indicate Addisons disease characterised bylow blood pressure,hypoglycemia and depression |
| ï previous | |