Concentrations of inhibins and activin in women undergoing stimulation with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone for in vitro fertilization treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of human recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on circulating serum concentrations of the ovarian proteohormones inhibin A, inhibin B, pro alpha-C, and activin A and serum levels of estradiol after down-regulation with GnRH analogue.


METHODS
Serum concentrations of ovarian proteohormones and estradiol.


METHODS
Academic clinical practice.


METHODS
30 women who underwent assisted reproductive techniques.


METHODS
Blood samples were analyzed for inhibin A, inhibin B, pro alpha-C, activin A, and estradiol during IVF treatment at points coinciding with pituitary down-regulation, stimulation with recombinant FSH, ovulatory triggering, and the luteal phase of the cycle.


RESULTS
Activin A levels did not change with recombinant FSH stimulation. In women with a sonographically detected leading follicle >17 mm in diameter, levels of inhibin A, pro alpha-C, and estradiol increased significantly (P<.05). The increase in inhibin B level was not statistically significant. In patients without adequate follicle development during FSH stimulation, serum levels of inhibins remained low and did not significantly deviate from values measured before stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
Inhibin A and pro alpha-C are effective markers of follicular development and may be effective additions to estradiol as a marker.
Casper
F W
FW
Department of Experimental Endocrinology, Johannes-Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany. casper@mail.uni-mainz.de
Seufert
R J
RJ
Schaffrath
M
M
Pollow
K
K
D028341:Activins; D000328:Adult; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood*; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000187:drug effects; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects; D014463:Ultrasonography
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D028341:Activins; D004958:Estradiol; D007265:Inhibins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone