ACTH has which metabolic effects?

• A. Gluconeogenesis and Glycogenolysis
• B. Lipolysis only
• C. Inhibits gluconeogenesis
• D. Increases protein synthesis

Answer: (A)

ACTH raises blood glucose primarily through its effect on the adrenal cortex to increase cortisol. Cortisol drives hepatic glucose production by promoting gluconeogenesis, and in the stress response it also supports the breakdown of liver glycogen (glycogenolysis) to supply glucose quickly. While cortisol also promotes lipolysis and protein breakdown, the combination of enhancing glucose output via gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis best captures the metabolic effects here. The other options are incorrect because cortisol does not inhibit gluconeogenesis, does not mean only lipolysis occurs, and does not increase protein synthesis.