GLOSSARY

Hypothalamic Releasing Hormones
Hypothalamic releasing hormones stimulate appropriate anterior pituitary cells through receptor-specific signaling. Examples include CRH, TRH, GnRH and GHRH, each operating within distinct regulatory networks.

The vascular route. These factors are released near the median eminence and delivered through portal blood. Their effect depends on local concentration, temporal pattern and pituitary receptor state.

Targets are not universally exclusive. TRH can influence prolactin as well as TSH in appropriate settings. Physiological importance varies by target and context, so the hormone's name does not define every possible action.

Why timing matters. Pulsatile delivery is especially important for GnRH function. A continuous signal can produce a different pituitary response from physiological pulses. Understanding releasing hormones therefore requires considering pattern as well as chemical identity.