[The role and clinical meaning of inhibins in female reproductive function].

The existence of inhibins was suggested in 1932, but their complete function and all places of secretion still aren't recognized. Inhibins are glycoproteins produced by the granulosa and theca cells of the ovary and, in lower proportions, by some extragonadal tissues. During pregnancy, placenta becomes the predominant secretory organ for inhibins. Clinically, inhibins may serve as sensitive tumor markers in postmenopausal women, or as useful tools for evaluating ovarian reserve in infertile women. They may also be used in the diagnosis of materno-fetal disorders, or be markers of function of the luteal phase.