Recombinant Corticotropin

**Semantic type:** Chemical Viewed Functionally

**Definition:** A recombinant peptide hormone chemically identical to or similar to human polypeptide hormone corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone; ACTH). Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, circulating ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete adrenocortical steroids, especially cortisone, which elevate blood pressure in response to stress. With normally functioning adrenal glands, recombinant corticotropin could be used to achieve pharmacologic effects similar to those from cortisone administration.

**Synonyms:** - ACTH - Acthar - Acthar - Adrenocorticotropic Hormone - Adrenocorticotropin - CORTICOTROPIN - Corticotropin - Therapeutic ACTH