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Semin Reprod Med 2004; 22(3): 187-193
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-831894
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Regulation and Function of Inhibins in the Normal Menstrual Cycle

Corrine K. Welt1
  • 1Assistant Professor of Medicine, Reproductive Endocrine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 August 2004 (online)

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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.

KEYWORDS

Menstrual cycle - follicle-stimulating hormone - feedback - activin - follicle - inhibin

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Corrine K WeltM.D. 

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Reproductive Endocrine, Massachusetts General Hospital

BHX 511, 55 Fruit Street

Boston, MA 02114