Role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Male Reproduction and Sperm Motility

Semin Reprod Med. 2024 Mar;42(1):5-14. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-1787687. Epub 2024 Jun 24.

Abstract

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by Sertoli cells and is responsible for the regression of Müllerian ducts in the male fetus as part of the sexual differentiation process. Serum AMH concentrations are at their lowest levels in the first days after birth but increase after the first week, likely reflecting active Sertoli cell proliferation. AMH rises rapidly in concentration in boys during the first month, reaching a peak level at ∼6 months of age, and it remains high during childhood, then they will slowly decline during puberty, falling to low levels in adulthood. Serum AMH measurement is used by pediatric endocrinologist as a specific marker of immature Sertoli cell number and function during childhood. After puberty, AMH is released especially by the apical pole of the Sertoli cells toward the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, resulting in higher levels in the seminal plasma than in the serum. Recently, AMH has received increasing attention in research on male fertility-related disorders. This article reviews and summarizes the potential contribution of serum AMH measurement in different male fertility-related disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone* / blood
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone* / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Fertility / physiology
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male* / metabolism
  • Infertility, Male* / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Sertoli Cells / metabolism
  • Sertoli Cells / physiology
  • Sperm Motility* / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone
  • Biomarkers