Corticotroph
A cell type in the anterior pituitary gland that produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Corticotroph adenomas (tumours) cause Cushing's disease through excess ACTH production. Pasireotide treats Cushing's disease by suppressing ACTH secretion from these tumour cells.
Technical Context
Corticotrophs constitute approximately 15% of anterior pituitary cells and are the source of ACTH (and other POMC-derived peptides including β-MSH, β-endorphin, and β-lipotropin). CRH receptors (CRH-R1) on corticotrophs are Gαs-coupled, activating cAMP/PKA signalling. Vasopressin (via V1b/V3 receptors) synergistically enhances CRH-stimulated ACTH release. Corticotroph adenomas that autonomously secrete ACTH cause Cushing's disease. These tumours often express somatostatin receptors (particularly SSTR5, and to a lesser extent SSTR2) — pasireotide's broader binding profile (including high SSTR5 affinity) explains its efficacy in Cushing's disease where SSTR2-selective analogues (octreotide, lanreotide) are less effective.