Stefano Luisi

Changes of Activin A Secretion in Gestational Diseases

Among the various tissues producing inhibin, activin, and follistatin, the gestational intrauterine tissues—placenta, decidua, and fetal membranes-have a major interest. A possible functional involvement of these proteins in reproductive physiology has been suggested. Inhibin and activin act within the human placenta through a cell-to-cell communication (paracrine) or within the same cells (autocrine), locally modulating placental hormonogenesis, cell-mediated immune function, and growth and differentiation of embryo and fetus. In addition, inhibin and activin may also enter the maternal and fetal circulation and have an endocrine effect in the physiology of pregnancy. The changes of activin and inhibin concentration in gestational biological fluids (maternal serum, umbilical cord serum, and amniotic fluid) thus reflect the changes of placental inhibin and activin synthesis and secretion.