Adrenocorticotropic hormone human ACTH

In humans, the hypothalamic-derived protein and the hormone noncovalent complexes are packaged in neurosecretory granules, then migrate along axons at a rate of 1 4 mm/h until they reach the posterior pituitary where they are stored prior to release into the bloodstream by exocytosis (67). Considerable evidence suggests that posterior pituitary hormones function as neurotransmitters (68) vasopressin acts on the anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone [9002-60-2] (ACTH) (69) as well as on traditional target tissues such as kidneys. Both hormones promote other important central nervous system (CNS) effects (9,70). 

Formation of these drugs is under the direct control of a polypeptide adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, corticotropin), which is processed by the anterior lobe of the hypophysis. Human ACTH consists of 39 amino acids and has a molecular weight of about 4500. It differs from animal ACTH in the amino acid compositions at positions 29-33. 

Corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH) regulates the function of the adrenal cortex and has numerous other effects on metabolism. It contains 39 amino acids in the form of a random coil, owing to the presence of several proline residues that prevent helix formation. Species differences are seen in amino acids 25-39 the rest of the ACTH molecule is identical in all animals and humans. The first 24 amino acids are responsible for all of the biological action of ACTH synthetic human ACTHj 24 is known as cosyntropin. 

The primary glucocorticoid released in humans is cortisol (also known as hydrocortisone). Cortisol synthesis and secretion are under the control of specific hypothalamic and pituitary hormones.7,24 31 Corticotropinreleasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary. ACTH travels in the systemic circulation to reach the adrenal cortex, where it stimulates cortisol synthesis. Cortisol then travels in the bloodstream to various target tissues to exert a number of physiologic effects (see Physiologic Effects of Glucocorticoids, later). 

One of the side effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticoid therapy in humans is the development or reactivation of gastroduodenal ulcers. Daily subcutaneous administration of cortisol or A -cortisol to rats for 4 days results in the regular development of gastric ulcers (38). This procedure has been adapted to testing antiulcer activity (39). There are certain differences between steroid ulcers and "natural" ulcers in localization, rate of development, and severity (40). 

Modified from Sell S. Cancer markers. In Moossa AR, Schempff SC, Robson MC, eds. Compreliensive textbook of oncology, 2nd ed, Vol. 1, Baltimore Williams Wilkins, 1991 225-38. hCG, Human chorionic gonadotropin ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone AFP, alpha fetoprotein CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen. 

One of the best-known examples of this class is interferon (a glycoprotein), which has shown much promise as an antiviral agent and in the treatment of cancer (71). Numerous polymers (mostly polyelectrolytes) are effective in inducing the production of interferon in animals (72). Other well-known bioactive polypeptides are insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), human growth hormone (HGH), prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone most of these have been synthesized, and some derivatives have been prepared (73). Some small bioactive polypeptides are the nonapeptides bradykinin, vasopressin, and oxytocin bioactive derivatives have been made for many of these also (74). 

Corticotropin, adrenocorticotropln, adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH a polypeptide hormone secreted by the pituitary. The primary structure of the human hormone is Ser-T -Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-Gly-Lys-Lys-Arg-Arg-Pro-Val-Lys-Val-Tyr-Pro-Asn-Gly-Ala-Glu-Asp-Glu-Leu-Glu-Phe, M, 4541. Only sequence 31-33 is species-specific. Biological activity is determined by the first (hxed) 20 amino acids. Sequence 1-13 is identical to that of a-melanotropin. 

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