Semin Reprod Med 2004; 22(3): 161-164
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-831891
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Inhibins: A Historical Perspective

Alan Schneyer1
  • 1Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
20 August 2004 (online)

Inhibin research began in 1923 with the concept of gonadal feedback regulation of pituitary function. A nonsteroidal substance, capable of inhibiting pituitary cell activity was identified in aqueous testicular extracts and named inhibin in 1932. Another 50 years of research was required before inhibin was purified and cloned in 1985, and inhibin’s physiology was not revealed until advances in assay technology allowed analysis of circulating levels in animals and humans. Thus, after 80 years of research, a historical retrospective reveals that many advances were required to achieve our present understanding, and yet there is still a long way to go to reach the original objectives of using inhibin, or compounds based on its structure, to regulate fertility pharmaceutically. Nevertheless, this perspective points out important lessons learned during this journey that are applicable to other areas of endocrinology or are opportunities for future research.

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Alan SchneyerPh.D. 

Reproductive Endocrine Unit, BHX-5, Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston MA 02114