Dictionary of Allergies .. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH),

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH),

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and sympathetic adrenomedullary (SAM) system are the major stress-response pathways. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) represents HPA axis activity, while plasma catecholamines are used as markers of the SAM system[1].

ACTH can only be given by injection and it is preferred the synthetic form, tetracosactrine (Synacthen, Synacthen Depot). ACTH may have an advantage over corticosteroid treatment, in children with severe asthma. ACTH does not inhibit growth in the pronounced manner of the corticosteroids, and it does not include the risk of atrophy of the adrenal cortex. On the other hand ACTH is more likely to cause electrolyte imbalance, hypertonia, oedema, hirsutism and acne than the corticosteroids. Therefore, for the treatment of adult asthmatic patients corticosteroids are preferred.

References
Sugimoto K, Kanai A, Shoji N. The effectiveness of the Uchida-Kraepelin test for psychological stress: an analysis of plasma and salivary stress substances. Biopsychosoc Med. 2009 Apr 3;3(1):5.