GHRH
Also written as: GHRH — Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone
Hypothalamic hormone that stimulates growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary.
Full Definition
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) is a peptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus that regulates growth hormone (GH) secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. It is released in a pulsatile manner and works by binding to specific receptors on somatotroph cells in the pituitary. GHRH stimulation testing is used clinically to assess growth hormone reserve and diagnose growth hormone deficiency. The hormone's action is counterbalanced by somatostatin, which inhibits GH release.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in patient documents; commonly abbreviated in clinical notes.
In Context
- "The GHRH stimulation test revealed an adequate growth hormone response, ruling out GH deficiency." — Endocrinology consultation note
- "Hypothalamic dysfunction may impair GHRH secretion, leading to secondary growth hormone deficiency." — Medical research paper