Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), also known as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or corticoliberin, is a polypeptide hormone and neurotransmitter involved in the stress response. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is produced by neuroendocrine cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and is released from neurosecretory terminals of these neurons into the primary capillary plexus of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system. The portal system carries the CRH to the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, where it stimulates corticotropes to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin) and other biologically active substances.