Inhibin B ELISA

Inhibins are heterodimeric polypeptide hormones. They selectively suppress the secretion of pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and also have local paracrine actions on the gonads.1,2 The fully processed form of the inhibin molecule has a molecular weight of approximately 32-36 kD and consists of the two distinct chains (a and ß), linked by disulfide bridges. Higher molecular weight forms, with precursor forms of the a-subunit, also occur in follicular fluid and serum. In addition, free a-subunit forms, unassociated with a ß-subunit, and lacking inhibin bioactivity, are also present. Inhibin B consists of an a-subunit and a ßB-subunit. Inhibin B is produced by the sertoli cells of the testis in the male and the granulosa cells of the ovary in the female. Its primary role appears to be in the regulation of gametogenesis via negative feedback on the production of FSH. Several published reports indicate the utility of measurement of Inhibin B as an endocrine marker for monitoring the male and female gonadal function. The Inhibin B Gen II ELISA uses the highly characterized pair of antibodies that specifically recognize only the functional dimeric inhibin molecule and does not measure the free a-subunit forms present in biological fluids. The current assay does not require sample pre-treatment step with hydrogen peroxide to oxidize two methionines in the epitope to the sulfoxide for full immunoreactivity. Please, note that Standards and Controls can be ordered separately from IBL under the Catalogue Number DS52026.