The Role of the Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) Neuron as a Metabolic Sensor

Thyroid hormone (TH) plays a critical role in mediating changes in development and metabolism in humans. Thus, circulating TH levels are regulated by a number of distinct mechanisms to allow them to remain at physiologic levels. The central regulation of the thyroid axis by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) is absolutely required for normal function of the axis. Remarkably, the TRH neurons in the PVH are regulated by multiple pathways that allow for the set point of TRH production to be determined. The following review will focus on how the TRH neuron is regulated by TH as well as key pathways that regulate energy expenditure. By integrating these inputs, the TRH neuron is able to set the thyroid axis at the appropriate level given the physiologic demands present.