etx-pit-ch5-fig2

Figure 2. Diagram showing the release of ACTH from corticotroph cells. CRH binds to a particular receptor that leads to activation of cAMP. The rise in cAMP inhibits TREK-1, thus leading to the depolarization of the cell and subsequently influx of calcium via VGCC. The rise in intracellular calcium leads to the exocytosis and release of ACTH.