Adrenal Function

Adrenal glands produce hormones in response to signals from the pituitary gland located in the brain, which in turn reacts to signaling from the hypothalamus. This is referred to as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis.  

The hypothalamus produces corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH).  ACTH is released from the anterior pituitary in response to hypothalamic neuropeptides and stress.   ACTH then stimulates the adrenal glands to make and release the hormone cortisol.

Our Adrenal Function Assay Panel comprises of ACTH and Cortisol immunoassays.  ACTH and Cortisol measurements support clinicians in the assessment of adrenocortical function and other disturbances of the HPA axis in their patient, such as:

• Screening and differential diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome (CS), 
• Diagnosis of Addison’s disease,
• Primary adrenal insufficiency (AI).