2. Adrenocorticotropic also known as 'corticotropin', 'Adrenocorticotrophic hormone', is a polypeptidetropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It is an important component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is often produced in response to biological stress (along with corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus). Its principal effects are increased production and release of corticosteroids and, as its name suggests, cortisol from the adrenal cortex. ACTH acts through the stimulation of cell surface ACTH receptors, which are located primarily on adrenocortical cells of the adrenal cortex. This results in the synthesis and secretion of gluco- and mineralo-corticosteroids and androgenic steroids. The ACTH receptor is a seven-membrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptor.
4. Hypercalcemia Fortified dairy products Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia. It is due to excess PTH release by the parathyroid glands. This excess occurs due to an enlargement of one or more of the parathyroid glands, or a growth (usually not cancer) on one of the glands. Other medical conditions can also cause hypercalcemia: Adrenal gland failure Being bedbound (or not being able to move) for a long period of time Calcium excess in the diet (called milk-alkali syndrome, usually due to at least 2,000 milligrams of calcium per day) Hypercalcemia is too much calcium in the blood. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Calcium is important to many body functions, including: Bone formation Hormone release Muscle contraction Nerve and brain function
