ACTH

: a protein hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex -- called also adrenocorticotropic hormone

There is a test that checks how the adrenal glands respond to a certain hormone. The hormone is called adrenocorticotrophic hormone, or, ACTH. ACTH is made in the pituitary gland and travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands. ACTH stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol. Cortisol is a key factor in many functions in the body's metabolism of fats , carbohydrates , sodium , potassium , and protein. This test is done when a patient's adrenal gland is suspected to not be functioning properly.

Cortisol levels in the bloodstream are measured before and after an injection of ACTH into the blood or muscle. A blood sample is taken from a vein on the forearm or hand. First, the skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a strong rubber tube, called a tourniquet, is wrapped around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting blood flow through them. A fine needle is inserted into a vein, and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle and is collected in a syringe or vial for testing in the laboratory. After the needle is withdrawn, the puncture site is covered for a short time to prevent bleeding.

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