Part of that extra thickness is caused by the protein keratin, which is nourished in deeper layers of the skin but forms a surface layer of dead cells on the epidermis. This extra thickness may also explain why your hands and feet become wrinkled when you soak in the tub.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also called arginine vasopressin (AVP), is a hormone that helps regulate water balance in the body by controlling the amount of water the kidneys reabsorb while they are filtering wastes out of the blood. This test measures the amount of ADH in the blood.
A test to measure ACTH is done to check for: 1  A problem with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland. 2  A high level of ACTH and a low level of cortisol (or low ACTH and high cortisol levels) could be caused by a problem with the adrenal glands. A high level of ACTH and a low level of cortisol (or low ACTH and high cortisol levels) could be caused by a problem with the adrenal glands. 2  Low levels of ACTH and cortisol could be caused by a problem with the pituitary gland. 3  Overproduction of ACTH.