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Peritoneal fluid inhibin during the menstrual cycle
R Hemmings1, T Falcone, R Billiar
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Serum and peritoneal fluid inhibin levels were measured in women with and without endometriosis. Inhibin levels did not differ between groups, suggesting inhibin does not cause endometriosis-related infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Inhibin is a key hormone in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.
- Endometriosis is a condition associated with infertility.
- The role of inhibin in endometriosis-related infertility is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum and peritoneal fluid inhibin levels throughout the menstrual cycle in women with and without endometriosis.
- To investigate the potential role of inhibin in endometriosis-related infertility.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure inhibin levels.
- Measurements were taken throughout the menstrual cycle.
- 14 women with endometriosis and 16 controls were included.
Main Results:
- Serum inhibin levels increased from the early follicular to the luteal phase in controls.
- Peritoneal fluid inhibin levels were significantly higher than serum levels, peaking in the late follicular phase.
- No significant differences in serum or peritoneal fluid inhibin levels were observed between women with and without endometriosis.
Conclusions:
- Human gametes may be exposed to high concentrations of inhibin in the fallopian tube.
- Inhibin does not appear to play a role in endometriosis-related infertility.
- Further research may explore other factors contributing to infertility in endometriosis.