adrenocorticotrophin

1. a hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland to secrete its hormones, including corticosterone. If production of corticotropin falls below normal, the adrenal cortex decreases in size, and production of the cortical hormones declines.

2. a pharmaceutical preparation of animal-derived corticotropin, administered intravenously for diagnostic testing of adrenocortical function and subcutaneously or intramuscularly, in a slowly absorbed gel form (repository corticotropin), as an anticonvulsant for treating infantile spasms. Called also adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), adrenocorticotropin, and corticotrophin.