Seractide/ACTH (1-39)

ACTH (1-39), also known as Seractide, is a full-length synthetic form of adrenocorticotropic hormone used to evaluate adrenal function in diagnostic testing. It mimics natural ACTH, triggering cortisol release from the adrenal cortex in response to hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction.

• Binds to melanocortin 2 receptors (MC2R) on adrenal cortex cells
• Stimulates synthesis and release of cortisol and androgens
• Mimics natural ACTH secretion patterns from the pituitary
• Activates steroidogenic enzymes and cholesterol transport systems in adrenal cells

• unit: mg

  low dose: 0.25

  frequency: Single administration for diagnostic testing

  high dose: 0.5

  standard dose: 0.25

  administration route: Intramuscular (IM)

• unit: mg

  low dose: 0.25

  frequency: Single administration for diagnostic testing

  high dose: 0.5

  standard dose: 0.25

  administration route: Intravenous (IV)

• Used once in standard cosyntropin stimulation test; repeated use is rare unless clinically indicated.
• Administered as a bolus IV push; cortisol levels are measured at 30–60 minutes post-injection.

common: ["Facial flushing","Mild hypertension","Nausea","Transient anxiety"]

warnings: ["Caution in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or recent cardiovascular events","Avoid repeated dosing without endocrine supervision"]

long term: ["Prolonged use may lead to adrenal suppression, Cushingoid symptoms, or HPA axis disruption"]

sequence: SYSMEHFRWGKPVGKKRRPVKVYPNGAEDESAEAFPLEF

half life: Approximately 15 minutes

degradation: Cleared via protease metabolism and renal excretion

molecular weight: 4541.05

molecular formula: C207H308N56O58S

tissue specificity: Targets adrenal cortex cells to trigger glucocorticoid synthesis

• Dose-response relationships between plasma ACTH, cortisol, aldosterone after injection of ACTH-(1-39) in man.clinicalPMID 2826525 ↗
• Brain evoked responses, a bioassay for central actions of ACTH 1-39 in humans.mechanismPMID 1650750 ↗