Letter I

Inhibin

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One of two hormones (designated inhibin-A and inhibin-B) secreted by the gonads (by Sertoli cells in the male and the granulosa cells in the female) and that inhibit the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland.

The inhibins also figure in the control of gametogenesis, and embryonic and fetal development.

Inhibin-A is elevated in the blood serum of women carrying fetuses with Down syndrome.

This discovery led to the inclusion of inhibin-A in the maternal serum screening tests for Down syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy

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