Follicle-stimulating hormone induces dose-dependant stimulation of immunoreactive inhibin secretion during the follicular phase of the human menstrual cycle.
To determine whether FSH is a physiological regulator of the serum immunoreactive inhibin (INH) concentration during the follicular phase of the normal menstrual cycle, purified FSH (Metrodin) was administered in doses of 100 IU (n = 6), 150 IU (n = 5), and 200 IU (n = 5) to normal, regularly cycling volunteers between days 3-7 of the menstrual cycle. A control group (n = 5) received normal saline. There was a linear dose-related increase in serum INH (and in serum FSH) in response to the three doses of FSH, with 200 IU leading to a 107% increase in INH and a 68% increase in FSH. Serum estradiol rose in response to the two higher doses of FSH. There was a significant correlation between the actual increases in INH and estradiol (r = 0.53; P < 0.01). It was concluded that FSH stimulates INH in the follicular phase of the normal menstrual cycle, consistent with a physiological role for FSH in the regulation of granulosa cell production of inhibin.
Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Center, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
J P
JP
Hee
J
J
MacNaughton
M
M
Bangah
M
M
Zissimos
P I
PI
McCloud
D L
DL
Healy
H G
HG
Burger
D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D012016:Reference Values; D013997:Time Factors
D004958:Estradiol; D007265:Inhibins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone