The Regulation of Ovarian Follicular Growth by Anti-Müllerian Hormone

Abstract

Abstract: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was originally discovered as the factor responsible for the regression of the Müllerian duct during male sexual differentiation. Through studies of AMH knockout mice, AMH has also been found to regulate primordial follicle recruitment and FSH-dependent cyclic recruitment. However, the details of how AMH influences follicular growth have not been elucidated. Since the early 2000s, when serum AMH concentration was found to be a reliable biochemical marker of ovarian reserve, AMH has been in the spotlight in reproductive medicine. Several studies of AMH have led to new insights on the mechanism of AMH-regulated follicular growth. Here, we review from the earliest studies to the latest findings, AMH regulation of follicle growth with reference to the potential clinical uses of AMH and AMH inhibitors.