adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

n. A hormone produced in the anterior portion of the pituitary gland. ACTH stimulates neurons in the cortex of the adrenal gland, subsequently leading to the secretion of cortisol and other glucocorticosteroids. ACTH is regulated by corticotropic releasing factor (CRF) released from neurosecretory cells in the periventricular hypothalamus. ACTH is part of an important feedback loop, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. This HPA axis takes part in the regulation of stress. In the presence of emotional, physiological, or psychological stress, ACTH responds to CRF and releases cortisol from the adrenal cortex to support a continuation of the organism’s response to stress.    - VS