Normal Values of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

The adrenal medulla secretes two hormones—epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline)—collectively termed catecholamines, which are derivatives of tyrosine. Then, what is the normal reference range for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)?

Normal Reference Range for Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

The normal serum ACTH concentration is 1.1–17.6 pmol/L. ACTH is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in vertebrates. It stimulates adrenal cortical tissue proliferation, synthesis, and secretion of glucocorticoids. Clinically, ACTH measurement is commonly used to assess pituitary-adrenal cortical function and to aid in disease diagnosis and differential diagnosis. It plays a critical role in identifying the underlying cause, anatomical location of pathology, and guiding therapeutic strategies for adrenal cortical dysfunction.

Metabolic Effects of Adrenal Cortical Hormones
Epinephrine exerts metabolic effects antagonistic to those of insulin, particularly on carbohydrate metabolism. It elevates blood glucose and lactate levels by promoting glycogenolysis and glycolysis—effects mediated through activation of phosphorylase in the liver and skeletal muscle. Epinephrine also enhances protein catabolism and fatty acid oxidation, thereby increasing ketone body concentrations in both blood and urine.

Epinephrine produces physiological effects similar to sympathetic nervous system activation—including increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and enhanced cardiac contractility. In contrast, norepinephrine exhibits weaker direct cardiac stimulatory effects than epinephrine but induces potent vasoconstriction in systemic small arteries (except coronary arteries), resulting in a pronounced hypertensive effect.
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