(n) a substance produced by the hypothalamus that is capable of accelerating the secretion of a given hormone by the anterior pituitary gland, Syn. releasing hormone, RF
(n) 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, Syn. releasing factor, RH, hypothalamic releasing hormone, hypothalamic releasing factor