The role of anti-Mullerian hormone in gonadal development

Anti-Mullerian (AMH), a member of the transforming growth factor beta produ ced by immature Sertoli cells and, to a lesser degree, by granulosa cells f rom birth to the end of reproductive life, does not affect gonadal determin ation but has a negative effect upon gonadal development in both sexes. It blocks meiosis in fetal ovaries, leading to loss of germ cells and subseque nt fibrous degeneration, and inhibits the transcription of aromatase and LH receptor. AMH also affects the development and function of the adult testi s by blocking the differentiation of mesenchymal into Leydig cells and by i ndependently decreasing the expression of steroidogenic enzymes. (C) 1998 E lsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.