Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is produced in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) as a 255-amino acid precursor (pro-TRH) with 5 TRH progenitor sequences. Pro-TRH is enzymatically processed to yield TRH and other peptides, which are transported to the median eminence and released into hypophysial portal blood. To elucidate the role of TRH in the control of thyroid function, we studied hypothalamic TRH synthesis and release in many conditions. TRH synthesis and release were assessed by pro-TRH mRNA measurement, and by sampling portal blood or push-pull perfusate, respectively. Destruction of the PVN reduced TRH and TSH secretion dramatically, while electrical stimulation of this nucleus enhanced their release. Hence, the PVN is important for normal TSH secretion. TRH synthesis and release decreased in hyperthyroid rats, but increased in hypothyroid rats. The magnitude of these changes, however, was small compared with alterations in TSH, suggesting that the feedback of thyroid hormones on TSH release is mainly exerted at the pituitary level. TRH synthesis and release increased during cold exposure, and decreased during starvation and diabetes. Thus, altered thyroid function during cold exposure, diabetes and starvation seems due to modified hypothalamic TRH synthesis and release.