Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH): Complete Guide for Researchers and Medical Professionals
Introduction
Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) is a tripeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus that plays a central role in regulating the thyroid axis. It stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which in turn regulates thyroid hormone production (T3 and T4).
TRH is widely used in endocrinology research, thyroid function testing, and studies of neurological and metabolic pathways. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of TRH for licensed research, medical, and academic purposes, including chemical data, physiological functions, laboratory applications, and safety considerations.
Chemical Profile
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone |
| Abbreviation | TRH |
| Molecular Formula | C16H22N6O4 |
| Molar Mass | 362.39 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 50-97-7 |
| Structure | Pyroglutamyl-histidyl-proline amide |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water; soluble in acidic solutions |
| Stability | Stable when lyophilized; sensitive to light and heat |
Physiological Functions
TRH is a key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis:
- Stimulates TSH Secretion: Increases thyroid-stimulating hormone release from the anterior pituitary.
- Regulates Thyroid Hormones: Indirectly controls T3 and T4 levels in blood.
- Neurological Effects: Acts as a neuromodulator; influences mood, arousal, and thermoregulation.
- Clinical Relevance: Used in TRH stimulation tests to diagnose hypothyroidism or pituitary dysfunction.
Research and Laboratory Applications
1. Endocrinology Studies
- Measure TRH-stimulated TSH release in pituitary cells.
- Assess HPT axis responses in animal models or cell cultures.
2. Neuroscience Research
- Investigate neuromodulatory roles in the brain.
- Study interactions with dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters.
3. Peptide Pharmacology
- Examine TRH analogs for potential therapeutic applications (e.g., anti-depressant or neuroprotective research).
- Test pharmacokinetics and peptide stability in biological systems.
4. Laboratory Formulations
- Lyophilized powder for cell culture studies
- Reconstituted solutions for in vitro or animal studies
Mechanism of Action
TRH binds to TRH receptors (TRHR) on pituitary thyrotrophs, triggering intracellular signaling pathways that lead to TSH secretion.
- TRHR Type 1: Expressed in anterior pituitary; controls TSH synthesis.
- TRHR Type 2: Found in brain regions; mediates neuromodulatory effects.
TRH can also influence prolactin release and other neuroendocrine processes, making it a versatile molecule in research.
Safety and Handling
| Aspect | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Low toxicity; handle as a biologically active peptide. |
| PPE | Gloves, lab coat, and eye protection are recommended. |
| Storage | Lyophilized powder at -20°C; protect from light and moisture. |
| Handling | Reconstitute with sterile water or buffer; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
| Disposal | Follow peptide disposal protocols per institutional biosafety guidelines. |
Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Thyrotropin TRH
- Research Use Only: TRH is regulated as a research chemical/peptide, not approved for general human use outside clinical studies.
- Institutional Compliance: Use only in licensed laboratories with IRB approval or animal research protocols (IACUC).
- Pharmaceutical Research: TRH analogs may be studied under clinical trial approvals.
Only licensed researchers or medical professionals may order, store, and use TRH for experimental or diagnostic purposes.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Licensed Research Use of Thyrotropin TRH
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Define Research Purpose | Determine peptide concentration and study design. |
| 2. Verify Institutional Licensing | Ensure lab has IRB or IACUC approval for peptide research. |
| 3. Source from Accredited Suppliers | Use certified peptide providers (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich, Thermo Fisher). |
| 4. Request Documentation | Obtain COA, SDS, and purity reports. |
| 5. Safe Handling & Reconstitution | Use fume hoods or biosafety cabinets; sterile reconstitution. |
| 6. Experimental Use | Conduct in vitro, in vivo, or assay-based studies as per approved protocols. |
| 7. Record-Keeping | Log batch number, storage, and usage for regulatory compliance. |
| 8. Disposal | Follow institutional peptide disposal and biohazard protocols. |
Analytical and Experimental Techniques Thyrotropin TRH near
- HPLC / LC-MS: Quantify TRH and analogs in biological samples
- Immunoassays (ELISA/RIA): Measure TSH release or TRH concentrations
- Cell Culture Studies: Analyze pituitary or neuronal cell responses
- Animal Models: Investigate HPT axis function or neurological effects
- Peptide Stability Studies: Examine degradation kinetics and bioactivity
Proper lab techniques ensure accurate results and biosafety compliance.
Reference Table: Key TRH Research Parameters Thyrotropin TRH online
| Parameter | Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TRH Peptide | HPT axis stimulation | Lyophilized powder; reconstitute in buffer |
| TRH Analogs | Neuromodulatory research | Explore potential therapeutics |
| TSH Assays | Pituitary response measurement | Use ELISA or RIA kits |
| Animal Models | In vivo endocrine studies | IRB/IACUC approval required |
| Storage Conditions | Maintain stability | -20°C, avoid light/moisture |
Thyrotropin TRH Keywords & Tags
Keywords: Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone, TRH peptide, hypothalamic hormone, TSH regulation, HPT axis research, neuroendocrine peptide, peptide research lab, licensed peptide research.
Tags: #TRH #ThyrotropinReleasingHormone #TSHRegulation #Hypothalamus #NeuroendocrineResearch #PeptideResearch #HPTAxis #LabSafety #LicensedResearch #Thyrotropin TRH
Conclusion Thyrotropin TRH
Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) is a crucial peptide for endocrine and neuroscience research. When handled under licensed and controlled laboratory conditions, TRH enables:
- Accurate TSH stimulation studies
- Insights into neuromodulatory pathways
- Development of TRH analogs for therapeutic research
This guide provides a navigable, commercial, and research-ready overview, with tables, safety guidelines, and step-by-step acquisition instructions, making it ideal for licensed labs, medical researchers, and academic institutions
Applications of TRH in Research: Thyrotropin TRH
- Depression and Suicidal Ideation:
- TRH has long been explored for its potential antidepressant effects.
- The U.S. Army-funded research into a TRH-based nasal spray in 2012 aimed at reducing suicide rates among soldiers.
- Studies dating back to the 1970s demonstrated that TRH reduced suicidal thoughts in severely depressed patients. Though spinal administration of TRH showed efficacy, research has shifted towards more practical delivery methods such as IV and intranasal administration.
- TRH administered at night demonstrated extended antidepressant effects lasting up to 48 hours, suggesting its potential for long-term depression management.
- Motor Memory and Cerebellar Function:
- Motor memory (muscle memory) is crucial for tasks like typing and playing instruments, and TRH plays a role in its development.
- Research in mice lacking the gene for TRH showed slower learning in motor tasks, but speed improved with TRH administration.
- TRH has also been shown to help reduce symptoms of cerebellar degenerative diseases, improving motor coordination and reducing ataxia.
- Opioid Overdose Treatment:
- TRH has shown promise in reducing respiratory depression caused by opioid overdoses, a condition that naloxone (Narcan) currently treats.
- Unlike naloxone, TRH increases breathing rates without reducing pain control, making it a promising alternative for opioid overdose intervention.
- Trauma and Shock Research:
- Taltirelin, a more stable analogue of TRH, has been tested in trauma settings like hemorrhagic shock, demonstrating its ability to improve blood pressure, oxygen levels, and blood pH.
- TRH could become a key treatment in managing acute blood loss during emergencies.
- Aging and Neuroprotection:
- TRH has been shown to reduce amyloid plaque buildup in organs like the kidneys, helping preserve organ function with age.
- Although its impact on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is still being explored, TRH levels are known to drop in patients with AD, and supplementation might be beneficial.
Safety and Handling Information
- Hazard Code: B
- Transport Information: RIDADR NONH (non-hazardous for all transport modes)
- WGK Germany Classification: 3
- RTECS: XP3581600
Packaging and Supply
- Available in 20 mg and 50 mg vials with 99% purity.
- Storage: 2-8°C for optimal stability.
- TRH is for research and educational purposes only. It is not intended for human consumption without proper authorization.
Order Details
- MOQ: 1 gram
- Supply Capacity: Available every month from a reputable factory source in China.
- Lead Time: Based on order size and region.
Researchers interested in TRH for various experimental applications can benefit from its wide range of potential therapeutic uses, including depression, motor memory, overdose prevention, and trauma recovery.








