corticotropin-releasing hormone
Pronunciation: cor-ti-co-TRO-pin re-LEE-sing HOR-mone
Also written as: CRH — corticotropin-releasing hormone
Hypothalamic peptide hormone that stimulates ACTH release from the anterior pituitary as part of the stress response.
Full Definition
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a 41-amino acid peptide hormone synthesized in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. CRH is released into the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal circulation in response to stress and circadian cues, where it stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from corticotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. This initiates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as CRH; distinguish from ACTH and cortisol in the HPA axis cascade.
In Context
- "Elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone levels were observed following chronic stress." — Stress research study
- "The CRH stimulation test confirmed intact pituitary responsiveness." — Endocrine diagnostic report