Inhibins and activins in human ovulation, conception and pregnancy

The activins and inhibins are glycoproteins that belong to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, and, as such, have diverse effects at many stages during growth and development. Originally identified by their effects on follicle stimulating hormone in males and females, the recent developmen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human reproduction update 1998-05, Vol.4 (3), p.284-295
Main Authors: Lockwood, GM, Muttukrishna, S, Ledger, WL
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activin Receptors
Activins
Female
Fertilization - physiology
Humans
Inhibins - chemistry
Inhibins - physiology
Ovulation - physiology
Pregnancy - physiology
Pregnancy Complications
Receptors, Growth Factor
Receptors, Peptide
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Summary:The activins and inhibins are glycoproteins that belong to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, and, as such, have diverse effects at many stages during growth and development. Originally identified by their effects on follicle stimulating hormone in males and females, the recent development of specific and sensitive assays for this group of polypeptides has permitted the elucidation of their role in 'fine-tuning' the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This review article focuses on the roles of inhibin and activin in female reproductive physiology with reference to possible future clinical applications in the investigation of infertility and abnormal pregnancy. Key words:activin/conception/inhibin/ovulation/pregnancy
ISSN:1355-4786
1460-2369
DOI:10.1093/humupd/4.3.284