Thyrotropin-releasing hormone

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Overview
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), also called thyrotropin-releasing factor (TRF), thyroliberin or protirelin, is a tripeptide hormone that stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin by the anterior pituitary.

Production
TRH is produced by the hypothalamus, near the paraventricular nucleus.

It travels across the median eminence to the pituitary via the hypophyseal portal system. It is released from cells called thyrotropes.

In addition to the brain, TRH can also be detected in other areas of the body including the gastrointestinal system and pancreatic islets.

History
The sequence of TRH was first determined and the hormone synthesized by Roger Guillemin and Andrew V. Schally in 1969.

Chemical properties
Its molecular weight is 359.5 Da.

Its structure is: (pyro)Glu-His-Pro-NH2

Clinical significance
It is used in pharmacology (brand name Relefact TRH&reg;) to test the response of the anterior pituitary gland.

Medical preparations of TRH are used in diagnostic tests of thyroid disorders and in acromegaly.

In 1998, a recombinant form of the hormone was approved by FDA, Thyrogen&reg; (thyrotropin alfa), and is used in the detection of residual or recurrent thyroid cancer. (http://www.fda.gov/Cder/consumerinfo/druginfo/thyrogen.HTM)