Inhibins are protein hormones produced by the gonads. Their expression profile is altered in physiological conditions ? such as the menstrual cycle ? and in disease, ranging from infertility to endocrine and other cancers. Inhibin regulates the release of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); castration in both males and females results in the disappearance of circulating inhibin and a subsequent rise in serum FSH. There are two forms of inhibins: A and B; ELISA methodology is now available to discern and quantitate them. Recent results indicate that inhibins may be a promising, sensitive marker for the diagnosis and follow-up of some tumors.
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