Cushing’s disease

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Endocrine glands

Striae in the popliteal fossa

Striae on the leg

Cushing’s disease is a condition in which the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ATCH). The pituitary gland is an organ of the endocrine system .

Cushing's disease is a form of Cushing syndrome.

Pituitary Cushing's disease

Cushing's disease is caused by a tumor or hyperplasia (excess growth) of the pituitary gland. This gland is located at the base of the brain.

People with Cushing's disease have too much ACTH. ACTH stimulates the production and release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Too much ACTH means too much cortisol. Cortisol is normally released during stressful situations. It controls the body's use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and also helps reduce the immune system's response to inflammation (swelling).

Review Date: 08/08/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.