thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test

thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test

n.

A test used primarily to distinguish pituitary from hypothalamic causes of thyroid disorders.

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thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test,

a thyroid function test that assesses release of thyrotropin by the pituitary gland. A bolus of thyrotropin-releasing hormone is administered and serum concentrations of thyrotropin are assessed at intervals. If serum levels do not increase within 30 to 40 minutes, the pituitary thyrotrophs are dysfunctional. Also called thyrotropin-releasing hormone test, TRH stimulation test.

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thyrotropin [thi´ro-tro″pin, thi-rot´rah-pin]

a hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that has an affinity for and specifically stimulates the thyroid gland. Called also thyroid-stimulating hormone.

thyrotropin alfa a recombinant form of human thyrotropin; it binds to thyrotropin receptors and stimulates the steps in thyroid hormone synthesis, including iodine uptake and synthesis and secretion of thyroglobulin; used as a diagnostic adjunct in serum thyroglobulin testing, with or without radioiodine scanning, in followup of patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer, administered intramuscularly.

thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test (thyrotropin-releasing hormone test) a thyroid function test that assesses release of thyrotropin by the pituitary gland; a bolus of thyrotropin-releasing hormone is administered and serum concentrations of thyrotropin are assessed at intervals; if serum levels do not increase within 30 to 40 minutes, the pituitary thyrotrophs are dysfunctional. Called also TRH test and TRH stimulation test.