Question

Mention the target gland for corticotropin (ACTH) hormone.

Answer 1

Hint: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a polypeptide tropic hormone. It is made in the pituitary gland and it is needed for adrenal glands to work properly.

Complete answer:
ACTH or Adrenocorticotropic hormone. ACTH is made in the pituitary gland. This hormone is needed for our adrenal glands to work properly and it helps our body to react to stress . It is considered as a tropic hormone which indirectly affects the target cells by first stimulating other endocrine glands This hormone stimulates the release of another hormone which is called as cortisol from the outer part of adrenal gland.

CRH corticotropin releasing hormone is released from the hypothalamus which stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release ACTH which further acts on the target organ which is adrenal cortex to release cortisol and androgens. The cortisol gets increased and due to increase in it, it provides a negative feedback system to decrease the amount of CRH produced by hypothalamus.

ACTH plays an important role in metabolism of glucose and immune functions too.
Thus, from the above explanation the target gland is adrenal gland as the ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to make it release the corticosteroid hormones in the blood.

Additional information:
If ACTH level becomes high in a person then it means that person has Cushing disease, Addison disease, tumour forming endocrine glands. All these diseases are caused due to the increased level of ACTH hormone. The symptoms are weight gain, build up of fat in the shoulder, Increased body hair, Muscle weakness etc.

If ACTH level becomes low in a person then it means that person has adrenal tumour, hypopituitarism, steroid medication. All these are caused due to the decreased level of ACTH hormone. The symptoms are weight loss, lack of appetite, weakness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure etc.

Note: Since this hormone is needed for adrenal glands then it's target would be that only. CRH corticotropin hormone is released from the hypothalamus which stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release ACTH which then targets the Adrenal gland.