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Did you know? ACTH is the magic messenger that regulates cortisol secretion in the human body?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is regarded as a magic messenger of the human body because it plays a vital role in the body's response to stress and regulating hormone secretion. This polypeptide hormone is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. In the stimulation mechanism, ACTH mainly prompts the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol and other steroid hormones.
ACTH not only plays a transformative role in regulating responses to short-term stress, but also affects the body's long-term metabolism and health.
Production and regulation of ACTH
ACTH production begins with the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus. During this process, Pre-POMC is cleaved into ACTH, which involves multiple post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation, ultimately forming ACTH composed of 39 amino acids.
When the body faces stress or demand, the release of CRH promotes the secretion of ACTH, which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. The regulation of this feedback mechanism depends on the glucocorticoids secreted by the adrenal cortex. These hormones can inhibit the production of CRH and ACTH to a certain extent.
This close regulatory relationship enables the human body to flexibly respond to various internal and external changes.
The structure and function of ACTH
The structure of ACTH consists of 39 amino acids, the first three of which may be clipped to form melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which is related to the body's pigment production.
The main function of ACTH is to stimulate the secretion of steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex. On the surface of target cells, ACTH increases the synthesis rate of cortisol by binding to ACTH receptors and activating internal signaling pathways, including the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).
ACTH's actions are divided into rapid short-term responses and slower long-term effects, and this versatile role makes it crucial in the body's hormone balance.
Other functions of ACTH
In addition to its role in the adrenal glands, ACTH also acts elsewhere, particularly in bone-forming cells (osteoblasts), where it prompts these cells to release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which may play a role in maintaining bone. health status is crucial.
Since 2005, scientists have discovered these effects of ACTH that have radically changed our understanding of its function.
ACTH related diseases
Abnormal secretion of ACTH may cause various health problems. Adenopituitary insufficiency can lead to low ACTH, which can lead to secondary adrenal insufficiency, while Addison's disease is caused by relatively excessive ACTH secretion caused by primary adrenal insufficiency. Cushing's disease, on the other hand, is caused by excessive ACTH release caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, leading to overproduction of cortisol.
Understanding the mechanism of action of ACTH is critical to better evaluate and treat these related diseases.
Historically, the discovery of ACTH can be traced back to cancer researcher Evelyn M. Anderson, who published the discovery with her colleagues in 1933. Over time, synthetic forms of ACTH were developed, further stimulating research and clinical applications.
In addition to its important role in the endocrine system, ACTH also affects our energy metabolism and physiological responses. As the scientific community deepens its research on ACTH, more functions and its role in different physiological states may be discovered in the future. How many secrets does this magic user hide behind it for us to explore?
