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The ACTH test (also called the cosyntropin, tetracosactide, or Synacthen test) is a medical test usually requested and interpreted by endocrinologists to assess the functioning of the adrenal glands' stress response by measuring the adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; corticotropin) or another corticotropic agent such as tetracosactide (cosyntropin, tetracosactrin; Synacthen ...
Low-dose and high-dose variations of the test exist. [4] The test is given at low (usually 1–2 mg) and high (8 mg) doses of dexamethasone, and the levels of cortisol are measured to obtain the results. [5] A low dose of dexamethasone suppresses cortisol in individuals with no pathology in endogenous cortisol production.
A low-dose ACTH stimulation test has been suggested as a sensitive test for secondary adrenal insufficiency diagnosis. [10] When compared to insulin tolerance testing [11] and the high-dose ACTH test, this test allows for a more accurate identification of patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency. [12]
Use of high-dose steroids for more than a week begins to produce suppression of the person's adrenal glands because the exogenous glucocorticoids suppress release of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). With prolonged suppression, the adrenal glands atrophy (physically shrink), and ...
The exact dose of ACTH remains a matter of debate. [18] In the CORTICUS study, ACTH stimulation testing predicted mortality whereas baseline cortisol levels did not. [19] However, possible benefits of corticosteroid therapy do not seem to be completely predicted by ACTH stimulation testing.
by increased plasma angiotensin II, ACTH, or potassium levels. The ACTH stimulation test is sometimes used to stimulate the production of aldosterone along with cortisol to determine if primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency is present. by plasma acidosis. by the stretch receptors located in the atria of the heart.
ACTH influences steroid hormone secretion by both rapid short-term mechanisms that take place within minutes and slower long-term actions. The rapid actions of ACTH include stimulation of cholesterol delivery to the mitochondria where the P450scc enzyme is located. P450scc catalyzes the first step of steroidogenesis that is cleavage of the side ...
It is possible to test for heterozygosity by measuring 17OHP elevation after ACTH stimulation. [139] More than 200 disease-causing variants within the CYP21A2 gene have been identified so far that lead to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. [140] Most patients have at least two of these variants present as compound heterozygous. [141] [142] [143]