adrenocorticotrophic hormone; a polypeptide hormone, secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates growth of the adrenal gland and the synthesis and secretion of corticosteroids. It is used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, allergic and skin diseases, and many other disorders
Also called: corticotrophin
ACTH in American English
US
noun
a polypeptide hormone of the anterior part of the pituitary gland that stimulateshormone production of the adrenal cortex