thyrotropin-releasing hormone
Pronunciation: thy-ro-TRO-pin re-LEE-sing HOR-mone
Also written as: TRH — thyrotropin-releasing hormone
Hypothalamic tripeptide hormone that stimulates thyroid-stimulating hormone release from the anterior pituitary.
Full Definition
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is the smallest known hypothalamic releasing hormone, consisting of only three amino acids (pyroglutamate-histidine-proline-amide). TRH is synthesized by neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and released into the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system. It stimulates thyrotroph cells in the anterior pituitary to secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and also stimulates prolactin release from lactotrophs.
Usage
Usage note: Smallest releasing hormone; stimulates both TSH and prolactin secretion.
In Context
- "The TRH stimulation test confirmed central hypothyroidism." — Endocrine diagnostic workup
- "Thyrotropin-releasing hormone administration resulted in a blunted TSH response." — Clinical research protocol