Corticotropes

Corticotropes are endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) that produce and secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is derived from the precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). In response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus, corticotropes release ACTH into the bloodstream, which then stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids (like cortisol), key stress hormones.