Serum inhibin B correlates with successful ovulation in infertile women

Purpose: To investigate whether inhibin B and activin A serum and follicular fluid levels in infertile women undergoing induction of superovulation correlate with successful ovulation. Methods: Infertile women ( n = 16) ( 30 - 43 years of age) undergoing induction of superovulation for assisted reproduction were studied. A blood sample was collected before and days 3, 8, and 12 during the induction of superovulation. A follicular fluid sample at the time of ovarian pick up was also collected. Serum and follicular fluid were assayed for inhibin B, activin A, and estradiol. Results: According to the successful follicular development women were divided in two groups: ( A) responders ( n = 10) and ( B) poor responders ( n = 6). Women of group A showed mean follicular fluid inhibin B levels higher than in group B ( P = 0.001), while no significant difference for activin A levels was found. During induction of superovulation serum activin A levels did not change in both groups of women, while inhibin B and estradiol levels significantly increase only in responder women ( P < 0.001). Serum inhibin B and estradiol levels correlated with follicles developed = 10 mm ( P = 0.000). Conclusions: Serum inhibin B is an effective marker of follicular development in infertile women undergoing induction of superovulation, and may represent a further marker for ovarian follicular capacity.