Acute response of hypophysiotropic thyrotropin releasing hormone neurons and thyrotropin release to behavioral paradigms producing varying intensities of stress and physical activity

► The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis is rapidly activated by increased locomotion. ► Open field test activates HPA axis more if performed during day than night phase. ► Stress induced increase in corticosterone levels inhibit TRH expression and release. ► Activation of HPT axis by locomotion is blunted by high stress. ► Stress and physical activity shape the response of the central arm of the HPT axis.