Tetracosactide Testing

Tetracosactide is a recombinant (synthetic) form of the naturally-occurring pituitary hormone, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH).  ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland and plays an important role in controlling levels glucocorticoids and mineralcorticoid, which are steroid hormones produced and released by the adrenal gland. 

When stimulated by ACTH, the adrenal gland will increase production and release of  the glucocorticoid hormone, hydrocortisone and the mineralcorticoid, aldosterone.  Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that play important roles in glucose metabolism, immune function and protein metabolism.  Mineralcorticoids plays an important role in regulating water retention by the body.

The primary use of Tetracosactide is as a diagnostic.  If a patient does not have normal levels of corticosteroids in his/her blood, a dose of tetracosactide can be used to test whether the adrenal gland is functioning normally.  The drug may also be used to enhance steroid production if the pituitary is not producing sufficient ACTH.

Pacific BioLabs has developed a bioassay for tetracosactide.  This test is used to determine the potency of a preparation of tetracosactide, compared to a calibrated reference standard provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).  In this assay, adrenal cells are extracted from the adrenal glands of rats.  In the assay, a comparison is made of the ability of a test sample, in comparison to the reference standard, to cause the adrenal cells to release corticosteroids.  The test is based on an EP (European Pharmacopeia) monograph.

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