releasing factor

Definitions of releasing factor

1. noun

   a substance produced by the hypothalamus that is capable of accelerating the secretion of a given hormone by the anterior pituitary gland
   synonyms: RF, releasing hormone

   types:

   GHRF, growth hormone-releasing factor

   a releasing factor that accelerates the secretion of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary body

   type of:

   factor

   anything that contributes causally to a result
2. noun

   any of several hormones produced in the hypothalamus and carried by a vein to the anterior pituitary gland where they stimulate the release of anterior pituitary hormones; each of these hormones causes the anterior pituitary to secrete a specific hormone
   synonyms: RH, hypothalamic releasing factor, hypothalamic releasing hormone, releasing hormone

   type of:

   endocrine, hormone, internal secretion

   the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect