thyrotropin-releasing hormone

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), also known as protirelin, is a tripeptide neurohormone produced by the hypothalamus. It stimulates the anterior pituitary to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin. Clinically, TRH is primarily used as a diagnostic agent to assess thyroid function and pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction, particularly in cases of suspected secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism. It may also be used adjunctively to evaluate the effectiveness of thyrotropin suppression therapy in patients with goiter or for adjusting thyroid hormone dosage in primary hypothyroidism[1][2][3][4]. Beyond its endocrine effects, TRH acts as a neuromodulator in the brain and has been investigated for potential therapeutic roles in neurological disorders due to its neuroprotective properties; however, clinical use outside diagnostics remains limited due to poor blood–brain barrier penetration and rapid degradation[8].

Brand names

protirelin

Other names

thyrotropin-releasing hormoneTRHprotirelin