title: Measurement of inhibin A and activin A in pregnancy--possible diagnostic applications.
abstract: Knowledge of the roles of inhibins and activins has progressed rapidly since the development of a specific and sensitive assay that can be used for measurements on human serum and amniotic fluid samples. There is a sound theoretical basis for the role of transforming growth factor-beta family members in inflammatory processes, many of which are analogous to implantation, parturition and a variety of pathological conditions in pregnancy. This review explores the potential use of assays for inhibins and activins in clinical practice and suggests further areas for research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Jessop Wing, University of Sheffield, Tree Root Walk, S10 2SF, Sheffield, UK. w.ledger@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Ledger
mesh_terms: D028341:Activins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000378:metabolism; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: C422362:inhibin A; D028341:Activins; D007265:Inhibins