AMH/MIS:: what we know already about the gene, the protein and its regulation

(AMH/MIS) was first suggested by Jost, more than Four decades before this gonadal glycoprotein was purified and its gene and promoter sequenced. In mammals, AMH expression is triggered by SOX9 in Sertoli cells at the onset of testicular differentiation, and regulated by SF 1, GATA factors, WT1, DAX1 and FSH. Ovarian granulosa cells also secrete AMH from late foetal life. In males, ANIH is secreted into the bloodstream at high levels until puberty when it is down-regulated by androgens and meiotic germ cells and its directional secretion switches from the basal compartment to the seminiferous tubule lumen. In birds and reptiles, ANIH expression shows particular features. Serum ANIH determination is useful to study testicular function in boys and in patients with gonadal tumours. AMH levels in seminal and follicular fluid may also be of clinical use. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.