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Seractide/ACTH (1-39)

Hormone Regulation & Endocrine Support

ACTH (1-39), also known as Seractide, is a full-length synthetic form of adrenocorticotropic hormone used to evaluate adrenal function in diagnostic testing. It mimics natural ACTH, triggering cortisol release from the adrenal cortex in response to hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction.

Reconstitute
3 mL BAC + 5mg vial
17 mcg/unit
Daily Range
0.25–0.5 mg Intramuscular (IM)
Single administration for diagnostic testing
Standard Dose
0.25 mg
Cycle
4–8 weeks
then reassess
ACTH 1-39adrenal functioncorticotropinpituitary diagnosisSeractide

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Diagnostic protocols typically use 250 μg IM or IV bolus. Use is limited to regulated medical settings.

Standard / Gradual Approach

5mg Vialstandard
PhaseDoseVolume
Week 1250 mcg daily15 units
Week 2-3500 mcg daily30 units
Week 4+500-1000 mcg daily based on response30 units

Protocol Summary

Intramuscular (IM): Single administration for diagnostic testing · Dose range 0.25–0.5 mg with gradual titration
Intravenous (IV): Single administration for diagnostic testing · Dose range 0.25–0.5 mg with gradual titration
Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks typical; reassess before extending

Frequency & Cycling

IM

Used once in standard cosyntropin stimulation test; repeated use is rare unless clinically indicated.

IV

Administered as a bolus IV push; cortisol levels are measured at 30–60 minutes post-injection.

🧪 Quick Start

Vial Size
5 mg
BAC Water
3 mL
Concentration
1700 mcg/unit
Starting Dose
250 mcg daily
Maintenance Dose
500 mcg daily

Potential Benefits & Use Cases

ACTH (1-39) is only approved for diagnostic testing and not for general treatment.
Stimulates cortisol production from the adrenal glands
Used in ACTH stimulation tests in clinical endocrinology
Studied for feedback loop dynamics in the HPA axis
Explored in autoimmune adrenal disorders and chronic stress models
Offers insight into cortisol resistance and inflammatory modulation
Clinical data Strong preclinical Limited data

Mechanism of Action

→Binds to melanocortin 2 receptors (MC2R) on adrenal cortex cells
→Stimulates synthesis and release of cortisol and androgens
→Mimics natural ACTH secretion patterns from the pituitary
→Activates steroidogenic enzymes and cholesterol transport systems in adrenal cells

Lifestyle & Optimization

diet

Ensure adequate nutrition and electrolyte balance. ACTH affects cortisol and aldosterone.

sleep

Monitor sleep quality as cortisol modulation may affect sleep patterns.

timing

Morning administration recommended to align with cortisol rhythm.

exercise

Moderate exercise recommended. Avoid overtraining as ACTH affects adrenal function.

Peptide Research & Preclinical Studies

Evidence-Based Research Findings

Study TitleType
ACTH Stimulation Test for Adrenal Function EvaluationReview
Porcine ACTH-(1-39): Diagnostic Utility in Adrenal TestingReference
Pharmacokinetics and Dynamics of ACTH(1-39) and DerivativesReview

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects

• Facial flushing
• Mild hypertension
• Nausea
• Transient anxiety

Contraindications & Warnings

• Caution in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or recent cardiovascular events
• Avoid repeated dosing without endocrine supervision

Long-Term Safety Data

• Prolonged use may lead to adrenal suppression, Cushingoid symptoms, or HPA axis disruption

🧮 Dose Calculator

Concentration
16.7
mcg/unit
Draw Volume
30
units (0.300 mL)
For a 500 mcg dose, draw 30 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
🧬

Bioavailability & Absorption

SubQ Injection
Rarely used via this route due to preferred IV/IM kinetics
Oral Administration
Poor due to peptide degradation in GI tract
Half-Life
Approximately 15 minutes
Degradation
Cleared via protease metabolism and renal excretion
Tissue Specificity
Targets adrenal cortex cells to trigger glucocorticoid synthesis
⚗️

Peptide Details

Molecular Weight
4541.05
Formula
C207H308N56O58S
Sequence
SYSMEHFRWGKPVGKKRRPVKVYPNGAEDESAEAFPLEF
⚖️

Legal Status & Regulatory

RegionStatus
EUApproved
FDAApproved
CanadaApproved
AustraliaApproved

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized (Powder)
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term or 2-8°C for short-term. Protect from light. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.
Reconstituted (Mixed)
Refrigerate at 2-8°C. Use within 3-4 weeks.