Concentrations of inhibins and activin in women undergoing stimulation with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone for in vitro fertilization treatment

Objective: To investigate the influence of human recombinant follicle-stimu lating hormone (FSH) on circulating serum concentrations of the ovarian pro teohormones inhibin A, inhibin B, pro alpha-C, and activin A and serum leve ls of estradiol after down-regulation with GnRH analogue. Design: Serum concentrations of ovarian proteohormones and estradiol. Setting: Academic clinical practice. Patient(s): 30 women who underwent assisted reproductive techniques. Intervention(s): Blood samples were analyzed for inhibin A, inhibin B, pro alpha-C, activin A, and estradiol during IVF treatment at points coinciding with pituitary down-regulation, stimulation with recombinant FSH, ovulator y triggering, and the luteal phase of the cycle. Result(s): Activin A levels did not change with recombinant FSH stimulation . In women with a sonographically detected leading follicle >17 mm in diame ter, levels of inhibin A, pro alpha-C, and estradiol increased significantl y (P<.05). The increase in inhibin B level was not statistically significan t. In patients without adequate follicle development during FSH stimulation , serum levels of inhibins remained low and did not significantly deviate f rom values measured before stimulation. Conclusion(s): Inhibin A and pro alpha-C are effective markers of follicula r development and may be effective additions to estradiol as a marker. (C) 2001 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.