Hormone/Fertility

ACTH (Cosyntropin)

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

Quick Answer

What is cosyntropin used for in adrenal function diagnostics?

Cosyntropin is a synthetic 24-amino-acid fragment of ACTH used as a diagnostic reagent in the ACTH stimulation test to evaluate adrenal cortex function. It is FDA-approved under the brand name Cortrosyn and stimulates cortisol release via the melanocortin 2 receptor on adrenal cortex cells.

PMID7264070↗DOI10.1016/s0021-9258(19)68431-2↗⟳ Reconstitution Calculator
Scientific AbstractPMID 7264070 · 1981

Cosyntropin (tetracosactide) is a synthetic peptide consisting of the first 24 amino acids of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), retaining the full biological activity of native ACTH in stimulating cortisol production by the adrenal cortex. The synthetic fragment is used as the standard diagnostic agent in the cosyntropin stimulation test (ACTH stim test), which evaluates primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency. The test administers cosyntropin and measures serum cortisol response at 30 and 60 minutes. Cosyntropin is FDA-approved (brand name Cortrosyn) and is a regulated prescription pharmaceutical.

Source:10.1016/s0021-9258(19)68431-2
Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is ACTH (Cosyntropin)?

Cosyntropin is a synthetic 24-amino-acid fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) used clinically as a diagnostic reagent for evaluating adrenal cortex function.

Mechanism of Action

Cosyntropin binds the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) on adrenal cortex zona fasciculata cells, activating adenylyl cyclase and triggering cortisol biosynthesis from cholesterol via the steroidogenic enzyme cascade.

Clinical Use

The cosyntropin stimulation test administers 250 μg IV or IM and measures serum cortisol at 30 and 60 minutes. A peak cortisol below 18 μg/dL indicates adrenal insufficiency. Cosyntropin is FDA-approved as Cortrosyn for this diagnostic indication.

Clinical Research ParametersHuman Study Registry

No registered clinical trials or indexed human study data currently available for ACTH (Cosyntropin) via ClinicalTrials.gov or PubMed. This compound may be at preclinical or early research stages.

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Research Compliance Notice

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. ACTH (Cosyntropin) is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 7264070) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.

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