Vol 79, No 2 (2008)
ARTICLES
The influence of anti-Mullerian hormone on folliculogenesis
Anna Dąbkowska-Huc, Anna Cygal, Piotr Skałba
Vol 79, No 2 (2008)
ARTICLES
Abstract
Abstract The main biological role of the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is to induce the involution of the Muller ducts in embryos during differentiation of masculine gender. In case of women, AMH is produced in granular cells of primary, preantral and antral follicles. The expression of AMH initiates at the moment of the follicle recruitment and it lasts until the stage of an antral follicle. The level of this hormone decreases with age and in postmenopausal period is undetectable in blood. Therefore, AMH could be a useful marker of ovarian reserve. Multiple investigations have revealed higher AMH levels in the blood of PCOS patients. It is believed to be the consequence of the increased amount of small antral follicles. AMH is considered to have an essential role in folliculogenesis. It inhibits the process of recruitment of primordial follicles and modifies the growth of preantral and antral follicles by diminishing the sensitivity of follicles for FSH stimulation. The paper is a review of the present knowledge of the structure and activity of AMH. AR gene and protein. Participation of AMH in folliculogenesis and changes of AMH levels depending on structure and age of the ovary have also been discussed. Recent findings concerning the possibility of using AMH to assess ovarian reserve and efficiency of the stimulation of ovulation in infertile women have been presented. It is believed that increased knowledge concerning AMH might improve the diagnosis and treatment of infertility caused by lack of ovulation.
Abstract
Abstract The main biological role of the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is to induce the involution of the Muller ducts in embryos during differentiation of masculine gender. In case of women, AMH is produced in granular cells of primary, preantral and antral follicles. The expression of AMH initiates at the moment of the follicle recruitment and it lasts until the stage of an antral follicle. The level of this hormone decreases with age and in postmenopausal period is undetectable in blood. Therefore, AMH could be a useful marker of ovarian reserve. Multiple investigations have revealed higher AMH levels in the blood of PCOS patients. It is believed to be the consequence of the increased amount of small antral follicles. AMH is considered to have an essential role in folliculogenesis. It inhibits the process of recruitment of primordial follicles and modifies the growth of preantral and antral follicles by diminishing the sensitivity of follicles for FSH stimulation. The paper is a review of the present knowledge of the structure and activity of AMH. AR gene and protein. Participation of AMH in folliculogenesis and changes of AMH levels depending on structure and age of the ovary have also been discussed. Recent findings concerning the possibility of using AMH to assess ovarian reserve and efficiency of the stimulation of ovulation in infertile women have been presented. It is believed that increased knowledge concerning AMH might improve the diagnosis and treatment of infertility caused by lack of ovulation.
Keywords
Anti-mullerian hormone, Ovary, polycystic ovary syndrome
Title
The influence of anti-Mullerian hormone on folliculogenesis
Journal
Ginekologia Polska
Issue
Vol 79, No 2 (2008)
Page views
1913
Article views/downloads
1236
Bibliographic record
Ginekol Pol 2008;79(2).
Keywords
Anti-mullerian hormone
Ovary
polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors
Anna Dąbkowska-Huc
Anna Cygal
Piotr Skałba