ACTH [AH26]

specific posttranslational processing by convertases. POMC is cleaved into ten hormone chains named NPP, ACTH, alpha-MSH (Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone), beta-MSH, gamma-MSH, CLIP (corticotropin-like intermediary peptide), Lipotropin-beta, Lipotropin-gamma, beta-endorphin and Met-enkephalin. ACTH is also produced by cells of immune system (T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages) in response to stimuli associated with stress. Anti-ACTH is a useful marker in classification of pituitary tumors and the study of pituitary disease. It reacts with ACTH-producing cells (corticotrophs).ĀIt also may react with other tumors (e.g. some small cell carcinomas of the lung) causing paraneoplastic syndromes by secreting ACTH.