Regulation and function of inhibins in the normal menstrual cycle.
The development of assays specific for dimeric inhibin A and inhibin B defined the distinct physiology of these two hormones in the normal menstrual cycle. Inhibin A and inhibin B expression and secretion along with their differential regulation by gonadotropins explain their unique serum patterns and their potential endocrine and ovarian autocrine-paracrine functions. There is evidence that inhibin A and inhibin B play an endocrine role in the negative regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in nonhuman primates and humans. However, some studies suggest that estradiol is a more important, if not the only, negative feedback regulator of FSH in women. There is also evidence from animal models that inhibins and activins play a critical role in follicle development. Future work will be necessary to define further the relative role of the inhibins, estradiol, and other autocrine-paracrine factors in these important reproductive functions.
Reproductive Endocrine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Corrine K
CK
Welt
D000818:Animals; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism*; D012016:Reference Values
D007265:Inhibins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone