Sex-dependent and -independent regulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone expression in the hypothalamic dorsomedial nucleus by negative energy balance, exercise, and chronic stress

•In adult Wistar rats, CVS down-regulate DMH Trh mRNA levels, while moderate exercise enhances them.•CVS suppresses the response of TRHDMH neurons to food restriction but not that to exercise.•There is a strict negative correlation between DMH Trh mRNA levels and serum corticosterone concentration, an effect that is lost in CVS animals.•Trhr cells are homogeneously distributed along the rostro-caudal extent of the medial LH; some are co-expressing Trh.•Fasting reduces DMH Trh mRNA levels and increases LH Trhr and Trhr2 expression, suggesting reduced TRH release from the TRHDMH->LH projection.•Some responses are distinct in male and female rats.