What is the primary role of the hormone corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)?

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a pivotal role in the body’s response to stress. It is produced in the hypothalamus and serves primarily to stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Once ACTH is secreted, it triggers the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, the main stress hormone, which helps the body manage stressors through various physiological changes.

The stress response initiated by CRH includes increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and the mobilization of energy reserves. This cascade is part of the larger hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis during stressful situations. The influence of CRH on various body systems illustrates its integral role in preparing the body to respond to perceived threats.