ANTI-MÜLLERIAN HORMONE (AMH) AND THE MECHANISMS OF MALE SEXUAL DIFFERENTIATION
Keywords:
Anti-Müllerian hormone, AMH, male sexual differentiation, Sertoli cells, Müllerian ducts, reproductive developmentAbstract
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), also known as Müllerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS), is a glycoprotein hormone belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. It plays a crucial role in male sexual differentiation during embryonic development by inducing regression of the Müllerian ducts, thereby preventing the formation of female internal reproductive organs. The aim of this review is to analyze the biological functions of AMH in male sexual differentiation and evaluate its clinical significance in developmental disorders of the reproductive system. Literature data indicate that AMH secretion by Sertoli cells begins during early fetal development and is essential for normal male phenotypic differentiation. Alterations in AMH synthesis or receptor signaling may result in persistent Müllerian duct syndrome and other disorders of sex development. Understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms of AMH contributes to improved diagnosis and management of reproductive disorders in pediatric and adult patients.
References
1. Josso N., Rey R., Picard J.Y. Anti-Müllerian hormone: a valuable addition to the toolbox of the pediatric endocrinologist. Endocrine Reviews. 2013;34(5):1–25.
2. Rey R.A., Grinspon R.P. Normal male sexual differentiation and aetiology of disorders of sex development. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;25(2):221–238.
3. Picard J.Y., Cate R.L., Racine C., Josso N. The persistent Müllerian duct syndrome: an update. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 2017;445:165–169.
4. Mishina Y., Rey R., Finegold M.J., et al. Genetic analysis of AMH signaling pathways. Developmental Biology. 2016;419(2):252–260.
5. Teixeira J., Maheswaran S., Donahoe P.K. Müllerian inhibiting substance and male reproductive development. Endocrine Reviews. 2001;22(5):657–674.
6. Rey R., Musse M., Venara M., Chemes H. Ontogeny of AMH production. International Journal of Andrology. 2010;33(2):346–352.
7. El Houate B., Rouba H., Sibai H., et al. Novel mutations in AMH receptor genes in PMDS patients. Human Reproduction. 2018;33(11):2030–2038.
8. Visser J.A., de Jong F.H., Laven J.S., Themmen A.P. AMH physiology and clinical implications. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 2012;8(6):331–341.


