corticotrophin-releasing hormone

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corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) n. a peptide hypothalamic hormone stimulating the release of ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) from the anterior pituitary. CRH test a test in which CRH is administered intravenously to analyse the ACTH response, which is excessive in cases of primary adrenal failure and suppressed in cases of anterior hypopituitarism.