Hormones produced by the hypothalamus and directed to the pituitary gland.
A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus which makes the pituitary gland release particular hormones.
Any of several hormones released by the hypothalamus into a vein to the anterior pituitary gland, where they stimulate the release of anterior pituitary homones. Each releasing factor stimulates the pituitary to secrete a specific hormone (e.g., growth-hormone-releasing factor stimulates the release of growth hormone).
Any of a group of substances secreted by the hypothalamus that control or inhibit the release of various hormones. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone, dopamine, growth hormone-releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and somatostatin are included in this group. Dopamine and somatostatin act to inhibit release of the hormones they act upon.