TRH (Protirelin / Thyrotropin)
Also known as: TRH, Protirelin, Thyrotropin, TRH Thyrotropin, Thyrotropin TRH, Taltirelin
TRH (protirelin) is the tripeptide hypothalamic hormone that triggers pituitary release of TSH and prolactin. It is also studied for neurostimulant, arousal, and mood-related central nervous system effects.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (pyroGlu-His-Pro-NH2) binds TRH receptors on anterior pituitary thyrotrophs, stimulating secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin. Beyond endocrine regulation, TRH acts as a neuromodulator throughout the central nervous system, enhancing cholinergic and dopaminergic tone and promoting arousal and analgesia. It exerts neuroprotective and antidepressant-like effects in experimental models. Its very short half-life has driven development of stabilized analogs such as taltirelin.
- Half-life
- Very short, roughly 5 minutes for native TRH
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous, intranasal
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Stimulates pituitary TSH and prolactin release (diagnostic use)
- Investigated for arousal and wakefulness
- Studied for mood and antidepressant-like effects
- Neuroprotective signaling in preclinical models
- Explored for cognitive and analgesic activity
Potential Side Effects
- Transient flushing and urge to urinate
- Nausea and a metallic taste after injection
- Brief blood pressure changes
- Headache or lightheadedness
- Thyroid-axis disturbance with misuse
Common Dosing
For research use only: diagnostic protirelin protocols historically referenced fixed microgram-range intravenous doses; no validated self-administration regimen exists. Not personal medical advice.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled thyroid disease
- Cardiovascular instability
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pituitary tumors without oversight
Semax
A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia and used there for cognitive enhancement, stroke recovery, and neuroprotection. Often used intranasally.
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is a stabilized analog of the ACTH(4-10)-derived nootropic peptide Semax, modified for durability and intranasal use. It is studied for cognition, focus, and neuroprotection.
Selank
A synthetic analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin developed in Russia for anxiety reduction and cognitive support without the sedation or dependence of benzodiazepines.
- View
Minireview: Thyrotropin-releasing hormone and the thyroid hormone feedback mechanism
2009
- View
The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) hypothesis of homeostatic regulation: implications for TRH-based therapeutics
2003
- View
The forgotten effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone: Metabolic functions and medical applications
2019
- View
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone increases behavioral arousal through modulation of hypocretin/orexin neurons
2009