releasing hormone (RH), one of several peptides produced by the hypothalamus and secreted directly into the anterior pituitary gland via a connecting vein. Each of the releasing hormones stimulates the pituitary to secrete a specific tropic hormone. Thus corticotropic-releasing hormone stimulates the pituitary to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone, whereas growth hormone–releasing hormone stimulates the secretion of growth hormone. Formerly called releasing factor.
