Anti-mullerian hormone

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), also known as Müllerian-inhibiting hormone (MIH), is a glycoprotein hormone structurally related to inhibin and activin from the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, whose key roles are in growth differentiation and folliculogenesis. In humans, the gene for AMH is AMH, located on chromosome 19p13.3.

Function

AMH is produced by the Sertoli cells of the testes during embryogenesis of the fetal male and prevents the development of the Müllerian ducts into the uterus and other Müllerian structures. The effect is ipsilateral, that is, each testis suppresses Müllerian development only on its own side. This hormone is named after the Müllerian ducts which it causes to regress. In the absence of the hormone, the Müllerian ducts develop into the fallopian tubes, uterus, and upper part of the vagina in a process known as Müllerian duct development.

In females, AMH is produced by the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicles starting from the granulosa cells of small antral follicles in the reproductive years, and controls the formation of primary follicles by inhibiting excessive follicular recruitment by Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thus playing a role in folliculogenesis and representing a measure of ovarian reserve.

Clinical significance

AMH is clinically used as a marker of ovarian reserve. Lower levels of AMH, typically less than 1 ng/ml, are indicative of diminished ovarian reserve. This can be useful in predicting the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In males, high levels of AMH can be indicative of cryptorchidism, anorchia, or androgen insensitivity syndrome.

See also

• Müllerian duct
• Sertoli cell
• Granulosa cell
• Folliculogenesis
• In vitro fertilization
• Polycystic ovary syndrome