noun
- Plural of corticotropin; hormones that stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce and release corticosteroids, especially cortisol.
Usage: medical/scientific term; also called adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH)
Examples
- Corticotropins are released by the anterior pituitary gland in response to stress.
- The body produces corticotropins to regulate cortisol levels throughout the day.
- Synthetic corticotropins are sometimes used in medical treatments for certain inflammatory conditions.
- Elevated levels of corticotropins may indicate pituitary or adrenal disorders.
- Corticotropins play a crucial role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.