Which combination of anterior pituitary hormones is released in response to Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone?

• A. TSH and Prolactin
• B. ACTH
• C. GH
• D. FSH

Answer: (A)

Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone acts on two different anterior pituitary cell types: thyrotrophs and lactotrophs. Stimulation of thyrotrophs releases thyroid-stimulating hormone, which drives the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. Stimulation of lactotrophs releases prolactin, which supports lactation. So the combo produced in response to TRH is TSH and prolactin. ACTH comes from corticotrophs in response to CRH, GH from somatotrophs in response to GHRH, and FSH from gonadotrophs in response to GnRH, not primarily TRH.