TRH (protirelin) is a hypothalamic tripeptide that stimulates TSH and prolactin release from the anterior pituitary. It is approved as a diagnostic agent for thyroid function testing and has been studied for antidepressant and analeptic properties.
Category: Neuroendocrine / Approved (diagnostic). Evidence rating: B (meaningful human data).
Clinical status: FDA-approved as diagnostic agent (Protirelin)
TRH binds to TRH receptors (TRHR1/R2) on thyrotroph and lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, activating Gq-coupled signaling via phospholipase C to stimulate TSH and prolactin secretion. It also has direct CNS effects including arousal, mood elevation, and respiratory stimulation.
Safety considerations: Nausea; Flushing; Urge to urinate.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Production method | synthetic |
|---|---|
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
Human studies show transient mood improvement, but the effect is too short-lived (minutes to hours) for practical antidepressant use. Research continues on modified TRH analogs with longer duration.
TRH (protirelin) is a hypothalamic tripeptide that stimulates TSH and prolactin release from the anterior pituitary. It is approved as a diagnostic agent for thyroid function testing and has been studied for antidepressant and analeptic properties.
On the PeptideAtlas A–F scale, TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone) is rated B (Moderate Evidence). Multiple human studies but not broadly approved for searched use
FDA-approved as diagnostic agent (Protirelin)
TRH binds to TRH receptors (TRHR1/R2) on thyrotroph and lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, activating Gq-coupled signaling via phospholipase C to stimulate TSH and prolactin secretion. It also has direct CNS effects including arousal, mood elevation, and respiratory stimulation.