growth hormone-releasing hormone
Pronunciation: growth HOR-mone re-LEE-sing HOR-mone
Also written as: GHRH — growth hormone-releasing hormone
Hypothalamic peptide hormone that stimulates growth hormone secretion from anterior pituitary somatotrophs.
Full Definition
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a 44-amino acid peptide hormone produced by neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. GHRH is released into the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal circulation where it binds to specific receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, stimulating the synthesis and release of growth hormone. GHRH secretion is regulated by various factors including sleep, exercise, stress, and nutritional status.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviated as GHRH; counteracted by somatostatin in growth hormone regulation.
In Context
- "The GHRH stimulation test revealed preserved pituitary growth hormone reserve." — Pediatric endocrine evaluation
- "Growth hormone-releasing hormone neurons showed increased activity during slow-wave sleep." — Sleep physiology study