The Theory of the Free-Martin

Lillie, Frank R.

doi:10.1126/science.43.1113.611

Cited by 326 publications

(75 citation statements)

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“…The forms of AMH in the circulation are regulated, with the regulation potentially being very complex (reviewed above). The existence of AMH was detected 99 years ago (Lillie 1916). Despite this, the endocrine functions of AMH are largely unknown.…”

Section: Extra-gonadal Cleavage Of Proamhmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anti-Müllerian hormone is a gonadal cytokine with two circulating forms and cryptic actions

McLennan¹,

Pankhurst²

2015

Journal of Endocrinology

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Anti-Mü llerian hormone (AMH) is a multi-faceted gonadal cytokine. It is present in all vertebrates with its original function in phylogeny being as a regulator of germ cells in both sexes, and as a prime inducer of the male phenotype. Its ancient functions appear to be broadly conserved in mammals, but with this being obscured by its overt role in triggering the regression of the Mü llerian ducts in male embryos. Sertoli and ovarian follicular cells primarily release AMH as a prohormone (proAMH), which forms a stable complex (AMH N,C ) after cleavage by subtilisin/kexin-type proprotein convertases or serine proteinases. Circulating AMH is a mixture of proAMH and AMH N,C , suggesting that proAMH is activated within the gonads and putatively by its endocrine target-cells. The gonadal expression of the cleavage enzymes is subject to complex regulation, and the preliminary data suggest that this influences the relative proportions of proAMH and AMH N,C in the circulation. AMH shares an intracellular pathway with the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and growth differentiation factor (GDF) ligands. AMH is male specific during the initial stage of development, and theoretically should produce male biases throughout the body by adding a male-specific amplification of BMP/GDF signalling. Consistent with this, some of the male biases in neuron number and the non-sexual behaviours of mice are dependent on AMH. After puberty, circulating levels of AMH are similar in men and women. Putatively, the function of AMH in adulthood maybe to add a gonadal influence to BMP/GDF-regulated homeostasis.

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Section: Extra-gonadal Cleavage Of Proamhmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anti-Müllerian hormone is a gonadal cytokine with two circulating forms and cryptic actions

McLennan¹,

Pankhurst²

2015

Journal of Endocrinology

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“…It is not yet known whether or not minute ascending doses of tissue homografts can confer tolerance upon their recipients, but there is clear evidence that a naturally-occurring process analagous to desensitisation occurs in dizygotic bovine twins. Lillie's (1916Lillie's ( , 1917 endocrinological interpretation of the "freemartin" condition in the female member of dizygotic twins of unlike sex (ef. also Tandler and Keller, I gu) turns upon the fact that bovine twins, normally synchorial, actually establish a vascular anastomosis during uterine life.…”

Section: H 3a?mentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of skin grafting to distinguish between monozygotic and dizygotic twins in cattle

et al. 1951

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“…Diagnostic criteria 2.3.1. Infertility Freemartinism was diagnosed in heifers by finding of an abnormally large clitoris, markedly short vagina (less than 5 cm), and the absence of ovaries and/or uterus with additional history of being born a co-twin to a bull calf (5,6). The diagnosis was confirmed postmortem at the local slaughterhouse.…”

Section: Experimental Protocolmentioning

confidence: 99%