MIS/AMH in the assessment of cryptorchidism and intersex conditions

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2003 Dec 15;211(1-2):91-8. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2003.09.014.

Abstract

Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), also known as anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), causes Mullerian duct involution during male sexual differentiation and also has a postnatal regulatory role in the gonads. Serum MIS/AMH has a gonad specific pattern of expression and its concentrations are sexually dimorphic in children; hence measurement of serum MIS/AMH helps in the evaluation of children with gonadal disorders. In boys with cryptorchidism (non-palpable gonads), serum MIS/AMH correlates with testicular tissue. A measurable value is predictive of undescended testes while an undetectable value is highly suggestive of anorchia. In minimally virilized phenotypic females, MIS/AMH helps differentiate between gonadal and non-gonadal causes of virilization. In children with intersex conditions, MIS/AMH values assist differential diagnosis: a value above the normal female range is predictive of testicular tissue, while an undetectable value is suggestive of absent testicular tissue. Thus, MIS/AMH is useful for delineating gonadal pathology and facilitates the differential diagnosis and management of children with diverse gonadal disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cryptorchidism / diagnosis*
  • Cryptorchidism / metabolism
  • Cryptorchidism / physiopathology
  • Disorders of Sex Development / diagnosis*
  • Disorders of Sex Development / metabolism
  • Disorders of Sex Development / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Glycoproteins / blood*
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Reference Values
  • Sex Factors
  • Testicular Hormones / blood*
  • Testicular Hormones / metabolism
  • Virilism / diagnosis
  • Virilism / metabolism
  • Virilism / physiopathology

Substances

  • Glycoproteins
  • Testicular Hormones
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone