ACTH (15-24) Cys – Neuroscience Peptides

Human adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), also known as corticotropin, is a tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and member of the melanocortins peptide family. ACTH is cleaved from the precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC). ACTH is an important component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and is often produced in response to biological stress. ACTH acts to increase the production and release of cortisol via its interaction with the ACTH receptor- ACTHR, also known as melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R). Receptor activation increases the intracellular concentration of cAMP via adenylyl cyclase. Abnormal ACTH levels in the body has been linked to primary adrenal insufficiency/Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease and secondary adrenal insufficiency. ACTH (15-24) has been shown to be a competitive ACTH receptor antagonist and can be used as a method to combat the overproduction of cortisol. Treatment with ACTH (15-24) inhibits activation of a specific melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) by inhibiting adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-induced production of cortisol. ACTH (15-24) is provided here with a C-terminal cysteine residue for conjugation reactions.