Control of Thyrotropin Secretion in Man

ADVANCES in methodology have largely been responsible for the newer data on thyrotropin (TSH) secretion by the human pituitary gland. These advances are the radioimmunoassay of human TSH and the discovery of the structure of thyrotropin-releasing factor (TRF) that has led to its synthesis, the first hypothalamic neurohormone to be synthesized. Our aims are to review the recent progress in understanding the regulation of the pituitary secretion of thyrotropin in man and point out its clinical importance. In addition, we discuss the development of tests of the reserve capacity of the gland to secrete TSH, with emphasis on the clinical . . .