Question

Choose the correct answer from the alternatives given:
An injection of ACTH would
A. Decrease urine output
B. Stimulates the ovaries
C. Influence thyroid activity
D. Stimulate release of adrenal cortex hormones

Answer 1

Hint: Hormones are chemical messengers that provide information to the organs. Hormones are secreted by endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are ductless glands. They are released into the blood which transfers to other organs.

Complete answer:
The ACTH hormone is the adrenocorticotropic hormone or corticotropin. It is a polypeptide hormone secreted by anterior pituitary. Pituitary gland is present in the hindbrain. It is of clinical importance since it is an diagnosing tool. Increase in this hormone level results in the increased secretion of cortisol hormone by the adrenal gland. The level of ACTH is reduced when there is infection in hypothalamus or due to hypopituitarism. Increase in the level of ACTH causes Cushing's disease and decrease in the level of ACTH causes Addison’s disease. Cushing’s disease is also known as hypercortisolism.

The symptoms of Cushing’s disease include round face, feeling of tiredness, headache, sudden change in mood. The person has high blood pressure, obesity and women have irregular menstruation. Addison’s disease is also known as hypocortisolism. Decrease in the level of ACTH Causes Addison’s disease.

The main symptoms of this disease is darkening of skin. The signs also include low blood pressure, back pain, absence of consciousness, vomiting. Rapid onset may also cause adrenal failure.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Antidiuretic hormone decreases the urine output. Thyroid stimulating hormone stimulates the activity of thyroid. Follicle stimulating hormone stimulates the functioning ovaries.

Note: Injection of the hormone at the normal level in blood is strictly prohibited. When the hormone level is low, the supplementary hormone is injected into the body. The ACTH hormone is injected into the body through the thigh muscle to prevent infantile spasms.