Role of ACTH in the Interactive/Paracrine Regulation of Adrenal Steroid Secretion in Physiological and Pathophysiological Conditions

Abstract

In the normal human adrenal gland, steroid secretion is regulated by a complex network of autocrine/paracrine interactions involving bioactive signals released by endothelial cells, nerve terminals, chromaffin cells, immunocompetent cells, and adrenocortical cells themselves. ACTH can be locally produced by medullary chromaffin cells and is, therefore, a major mediator of the corticomedullary functional interplay. Plasma ACTH also triggers the release of angiogenic and vasoactive agents from adrenocortical cells and adrenal mast cells and, thus, indirectly regulates steroid production through modulation of the adrenal blood flow. Adrenocortical neoplasms associated with steroid hypersecretion exhibit molecular and cellular defects that tend to reinforce the influence of paracrine regulatory loops on corticosteroidogenesis. Especially, ACTH has been found to be abnormally synthesized in bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia responsible for hypercortisolism. In these tissues, ACTH is detected in a subpopulation of adrenocortical cells that express gonadal markers. This observation suggests that ectopic production of ACTH may result from impaired embryogenesis leading to abnormal maturation of the adrenogonadal primordium. Globally, the current literature indicates that ACTH is a major player in the autocrine/paracrine processes occurring in the adrenal gland in both physiological and pathological conditions.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Modulation of Glucocorticoids in the Cardiovascular System

“…The primary role of ACTH is regulating the synthesis and release of glucocorticoids by the adrenal gland [ 48 ]. Upon binding MC2R on the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, ACTH induces the biosynthesis of glucocorticoids from cholesterol by the action of mitochondrial and smooth endoplasmic reticulum enzymes [ 49 ].…”

Hyperpigmentation and ACTH – an overview of literature

“…referate generale abbreviations aCtH = adrenocorticotropic hormone aSP = agouti signalling protein Crf = corticotropin-releasing factor MSH = melanocyte stimulating hormone MC1r = melanocortin receptor type 1 Pet = positron emission therapy InTRoduCTIon aCtH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is a key regulator of adrenal production involving cortisol as an essential hormone for life (1,2). the steroid secretion is normally the effect of a complex frame that also includes autocrine and paracrine factors (1,2). even chromaffin cells from medullary part of the adrenal glands may produce aCtH as the pituitary gland does (1,2).…”

“…the steroid secretion is normally the effect of a complex frame that also includes autocrine and paracrine factors (1,2). even chromaffin cells from medullary part of the adrenal glands may produce aCtH as the pituitary gland does (1,2). aCtH acts not only as a hormone at the level of adrenal glands but also at the level of blood vessels and a local mediator at adrenals (1,2).…”

“…even chromaffin cells from medullary part of the adrenal glands may produce aCtH as the pituitary gland does (1,2). aCtH acts not only as a hormone at the level of adrenal glands but also at the level of blood vessels and a local mediator at adrenals (1,2). aCtH also has a role as an acute regulator of aldosterone production as well as serotonin (2,3).…”

A Single Dose Of Ayahuasca Modulates Salivary Cortisol In Treatment-Resistant Depression

“…Also, hypocortisolism is associate to adrenal insufficiency, a failure to produce cortisol and a decrease or increase in Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentrations that depend on the type of failure, whether primary or secondary, respectively (48). New evidence also appoints the participation of paracrine and autocrine messengers in adrenal failure (59). While several theories try to explain the etiology of hypocortisolism, it seems that the best approach to elucidate this pathophysiological process involves the integration of all these theories.…”