(in-hib'ĭn )

[ inhib(it) + -in ]

Either of two hormones (inhibin A and inhibin B) secreted by the corpus luteum in females and by the testicle in males. It inhibits the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone. In women, inhibin is secreted throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, but it normally is not present in postmenopausal women. It is, however, elevated in most postmenopausal women with granulosa or mucinous carcinomas of the ovary. In men, inhibin levels are elevated in prostatic hyperplasia and decreased in cancers of the prostate.

i.-F A hormone produced by granulosa cells in the ovary. It reduces the release of follicle stimulating hormone by the anterior pituitary gland .

SEE: ovarian cancer .