Stands for adrenocorticotropic hormone. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones, including cortisol.
This test is designed to measure the amount of cortisol released into the bloodstream.
Two small glands located next to each of the kidneys responsible for producing hormones that help control metabolism, blood pressure and fluid balance. Cortisol is one of the hormones released by the adrenal gland.
The body’s natural stress-fighting and anti-inflammatory hormone.
Another name for hyperadrenocorticism - the term given to an endocrine condition characterised by an excessive amount of cortisol being released into the body. Harvey William Cushing (1869-1939) was a pioneering neurosurgeon and gave his name to this disease. The group of clinical signs resulting from the disease is known as Cushing’s syndrome.
Also known as steroids, are a group of hormones released from the adrenal glands that affect the body’s metabolism. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid.
A protein that triggers chemical reactions in the body.
Hormones act as chemical messengers to body organs stimulating certain life processes and retarding others.
This is another name for Cushing’s disease. It is often abbreviated to HAC.
The physical and chemical processes by which the body builds and maintains itself and by which it breaks down food and nutrients to produce energy.
A gland situated at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland releases ACTH which in turn stimulates the production and release of cortisol into the body.
This is a form of Cushing’s resulting from a tumour in the pituitary gland.
This is a form of Cushing’s resulting from a tumour in the adrenal glands
An active ingredient that is known to block the production of cortisol.
A drug containing the active ingredient trilostane developed by Dechra Veterinary Products to treat Cushing’s syndrome in the dog.