What is activin A?

Activin-A is a dimeric glycoprotein, which belongs to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family. It regulates several biological functions, including hormonal homoeostasis, gonadal functions, muscle growth, immunity, inflammation, and bone remodeling (Hedger et al., 2011).

How do you reconstitute activin?

PREPARATION AND STORAGE Reconstitution Reconstitute at 100-500 μg/mL in sterile 4 mM HCl. Shipping The product is shipped at ambient temperature. Upon receipt, store it immediately at the temperature recommended below. Stability & Storage Use a manual defrost freezer and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

What is the difference between inhibin A and inhibin B?

Inhibin A is low in the early follicular phase and rises at ovulation to maximum levels in the mid-luteal phase. In contrast, inhibin B levels increase early in the follicular phase to reach a peak coincident with the onset of the mid-follicular phase decline in FSH levels.

Is activin A an TGF beta?

Activin A is a member of the TGF-β superfamily, a large family of over 30 structurally related proteins (Piek et al., 1999). TGF-β superfamily cytokines play pivotal roles in regulation of tissue homeostasis, organ development, inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis (de Caestecker, 2004; Ling et al., 1986).

What is activin and inhibin?

Inhibin and activin are part of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) family of cytokines (Bartholin et al. 2002), and are best known for their role in regulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, where inhibin inhibits and activin activates secretion.

What happens if inhibin B is high?

The amount of inhibin B measured in serum during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (day 3) directly reflects the number of follicles in the ovary. Therefore, the higher the inhibin B, the more ovarian follicles present.

Is activin A ligand?

Activins define a major subgroup of TGF-beta ligands that regulate cellular differentiation, proliferation, activation and apoptosis.

What receptors does activin bind?

First, activins bind to constitutively active type II receptors and this complex then recruits type I receptors. Second, type II receptors phosphorylate type I receptors at the GS domain. Following receptor activation, the activin signal is transmitted into the nucleus via intracellular mediators, Smads.

Is activin A the same as inhibin A?

Inhibin and activin belong to the same family. Inhibin is a heterodimer made up of an α and β subunit. There are two β-subunits – A and B – thus inhibin may exist as either inhibin-A or inhibin-B. Activin is a homodimer of the β-subunit, and thus may exist as activin-A, activin-B or activin-AB (Fig.

What is the role of activin in spermatogenesis?

Activin A provides a unique link between reproduction and immunity, which is especially significant in the adult testis. This cytokine, together with inhibin B and follistatin acting as regulators of activin A activity, is fundamentally involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis and testicular steroidogenesis.

What does inhibin A and B test for?

Inhibin A and/or inhibin B tests may be used along with a test for CA-125 to help determine whether you have an ovarian tumor. Testing may also be used to help diagnose a rare type of ovarian tumor called a granulosa cell tumor, and less commonly used to help diagnose a mucinous epithelial ovarian tumor.

What is inhibin A and B?

Inhibin A is low in the early follicular phase and rises at ovulation to maximum levels in the midluteal phase. In contrast, inhibin B levels increase early in the follicular phase to reach a peak coincident with the onset of the midfollicular phase decline in FSH levels.