Page last updated: 2024-10-24

corticotropin secretion

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The regulated release of corticotropin by a cell. Corticotropin hormone is a polypeptide hormone synthesized and secreted from corticotropes in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) released by the hypothalamus. [GOC:cjm, PMID:11027914]

Corticotropin (ACTH) secretion is a complex process regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is a hormonal feedback loop that involves three key components: the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands.

The hypothalamus, located in the brain, secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in response to various stimuli, including stress, circadian rhythms, and low levels of circulating cortisol. CRH travels through the portal system to the anterior pituitary gland.

The anterior pituitary gland, upon receiving CRH, releases ACTH into the bloodstream. ACTH is a peptide hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands, specifically the adrenal cortex, to produce and release cortisol.

Cortisol, a steroid hormone, has various physiological effects, including:

- Regulation of blood sugar levels
- Suppressing inflammation
- Regulating blood pressure
- Maintaining electrolyte balance
- Influencing mood and cognitive function

Once cortisol levels rise in the bloodstream, they provide negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, inhibiting further release of CRH and ACTH. This feedback loop helps maintain a stable level of cortisol in the body.

In summary, corticotropin secretion is a tightly regulated process involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. It is initiated by various stimuli, including stress, and is essential for maintaining homeostasis and responding to challenges in the body.'
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Proteins (2)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1A corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P34998]Homo sapiens (human)
Aquaporin-1An aquaporin-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P29972]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (16)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
hypericin
nbi 27914dialkylarylamine;
tertiary amino compound
antalarminantalarmin : A pyrrolopyrimidine that is 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amine which is substituted by methyl groups at positions 2, 5, and 6, by a mesityl group at position 7, and in which the amino substituent at position 4 has been substituted by ethyl and butyl groups. It is an antagonist of corticotropin-releasing factor 1 (CRF-1) receptors (Ki = 1 nM).pyrrolopyrimidine;
tertiary amino compound
corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist
ssr 125543aSSR125543: a CRF1 receptor antagonist with antidepressant-like effectsamine
cp 154526
cgp 71683 anaphthalenes;
sulfonic acid derivative
ucb 35625UCB 35625: J-113863 is the (trans)-isomer; structure in first source
r 121919
pexacerfontpyrazolopyridine
4-(3-pentylamino)-2,7-dimethyl-8-(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolo(1,5-a)pyrimidine4-(3-pentylamino)-2,7-dimethyl-8-(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolo(1,5-a)pyrimidine: an hCRF(1) antagonist; structure in first source
nbi-34041NBI-34041: high-affinity CRF1 (corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1) receptor antagonist for attenuating elevated stress response
dmp 696DMP 696: a CRF(1) receptor antagonist; structure in first source
cp 154526CP 154526: structure in first source
gsk 561679NBI 77860: a CRF1 receptor antagonist; structure in first source
bms 665053BMS 665053: structure in first source
nitd 609NITD 609: an antimalarial and coccidiostat; structure in first source