Editing Corticotropic cell (section)

=== Function ===
ACTH released from the corticotropes binds to G protein-coupled receptors in the adrenal cortex, where it stimulates the production of [[glucocorticoid]]s (primarily [[cortisol]]).<ref>{{Citation|last1=Soto-Rivera|first1=Carmen L. |last2=Majzoub |first2=Joseph A.| name-list-style = vanc |title= Adrenocorticotrophin |date=2017 |work=The Pituitary|pages=47–83|publisher=Elsevier | doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-804169-7.00003-9|isbn=9780128041697}}</ref> ACTH binds to the [[ACTH receptor|melanocortin 2 receptor]] and, through signal transduction, increases levels of cholesterol [[esterase]], the transport of [[cholesterol]] across the mitochondrial membrane, cholesterol binding to [[Cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme|P450SCC]] and, an increase in [[pregnenolone]] synthesis.<ref name="Nussey_2001" /> It also serves as a secondary stimulus for the synthesis of [[mineralocorticoid]]s such as [[aldosterone]], which serve an important role in regulating the salt balance of the blood.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Arai K, Chrousos GP | title = Syndromes of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid resistance | journal = Steroids | volume = 60 | issue = 1 | pages = 173–9 | date = January 1995 | pmid = 7792808 | doi = 10.1016/0039-128x(94)00007-y | s2cid = 45225758 }}</ref> Glucocorticoids released by the adrenal cortex inhibit production of CRH and ACTH, forming a [[negative feedback]] loop.<ref name="Nussey_2001" />