Influence of non-gonadotrophic hormones on gonadal function

Inhibins and activins are dimeric glycoproteins, member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) superfamily. The main source and targets of inhibins during the fertile age, in non pregnant women, are the ovaries, wh ile during pregnancy placental production becomes predominant. Activin is p roduced from several organs: brain, ovary, uterus, placenta and spleen. Dur ing the menstrual cycles, inhibin B concentrations rise in the follicular p hase with a peak after the ovulation peak of LH, inhibin A becomes predomin ant in the luteal phase. During reproductive life no significant change of activin A serum concentrations have been demonstrated. Inhibins and activin s play an important biological role in the regulation of the HPO axis. The evaluation of inhibins and activins change is useful in understanding the p athophysiology of gynecological diseases and in the diagnosis of obstetric and gynecological pathologies. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All r ights reserved.