ACTH 1-34
Also known as: ACTH 1-34, Tetracosactide
A synthetic peptide comprising the first 24-34 N-terminal residues of adrenocorticotropic hormone (tetracosactide/cosyntropin family), which retains full corticotropic activity. It is used clinically to stimulate adrenal cortisol production and diagnostically to test adrenal function.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
The biologically active N-terminal portion of ACTH binds the melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) on adrenal cortex cells, activating adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP signaling. This drives steroidogenesis, increasing synthesis and release of cortisol and other glucocorticoids. The peptide reproduces the full corticotropic activity of native ACTH because the first ~24 residues contain the receptor-activating sequence. It also engages other melanocortin receptors, contributing to anti-inflammatory and pigmentary effects.
- Half-life
- Short; roughly 15 minutes to a few hours depending on formulation
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Clinical
Reported Benefits
- Stimulates adrenal cortisol secretion
- Used diagnostically to assess adrenal reserve
- Studied for anti-inflammatory effects via melanocortin signaling
- Investigated in certain seizure and rheumatologic conditions
- Provides a stable synthetic alternative to full-length ACTH
Potential Side Effects
- Glucocorticoid excess effects such as fluid retention and hypertension
- Elevated blood glucose
- Mood changes
- Skin hyperpigmentation with prolonged use
- Hypersensitivity or injection-site reactions
Common Dosing
Clinical formulations such as tetracosactide/cosyntropin are dosed in microgram-to-milligram amounts depending on diagnostic or therapeutic use. Provided for research-use-only context and not as personal medical advice.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Active infection or known hypersensitivity
- Uncontrolled hypertension or congestive heart failure
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Pregnancy unless clearly indicated
- View
Residual adrenal function in autoimmune Addison's disease: improvement after tetracosactide (ACTH1-24) treatment
2014
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Pharmacodynamic studies of nasal tetracosactide with salivary glucocorticoids for a noninvasive Short Synacthen Test
2020
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Effect of early administration of tetracosactide on mortality and host response in critically ill patients requiring rescue surgery: a sensitivity analysis of the STOPSHOCK phase 3 randomized controlled trial
2024
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Prednisolone or tetracosactide depot for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome? A prospective analysis of data embedded within two randomised controlled trials
2023