releasing factor > define

noun

• A substance produced by the hypothalamus that is capable of accelerating the secretion of a given hormone by the anterior pituitary gland.
  • synonyms: releasing hormone, RF
• 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: releasing hormone, RH, hypothalamic releasing hormone, hypothalamic releasing factor