Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is a hormone found in the human body. It is secreted from the pituitary gland. TRH is classified as a peptide hormone.
Secretion and Production
TRH is produced in the hypothalamus and travels across the median eminence to the pituitary where it is excreted. The effects of TRH secretion are the stimulation and release of both thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin.
Pharmacological Uses
Synthetic TRH is commonly used as a drug to test the response of the anterior pituitary gland when a person suffers from thyroid deficiency. By testing the response of the anterior pituitary gland, doctors can determine whether or not the thyroid deficiency is being caused by a lack of thyroid-stimulating hormone production and secretion.