ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE (ACTH) A hormone which is released into the body during stress. Made and stored in the anterior pituitary gland, ACTH regulates the production of corticosteroid. hormones from the adrenal gland. ACTH is vital for the growth and maintenance of the adrenal cortical cells. Its production is in part controlled by the amount of hydrocortisone in the blood and also by the hypothalamus. ACTH participates in the feedback mechanism of hormone production and actions involving particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The hormone is used to test adrenal function and treat conditions such as asthma.