Question:

Which of the following hormones inhibits the secretion of FSH?

Show Hint

Remember the FSH regulators:
- Activin \(\rightarrow\) Activates/stimulates FSH.
- Inhibin \(\rightarrow\) Inhibits FSH (secreted by granulosa/Sertoli cells).
- Follistatin \(\rightarrow\) Binds and neutralizes Activin, thereby inhibiting FSH.
  • Genistein
  • Follistatin
  • Relaxin
  • Activin
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin synthesized and secreted by gonadotrope cells in the anterior pituitary gland.
The synthesis and secretion of FSH are regulated by various hypothalamic and gonadal hormones, including GnRH, inhibin, activin, and follistatin.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the role of each hormone in regulating FSH:
- Genistein (A): This is a phytoestrogen found in soy plants. It can bind to estrogen receptors, but it is not a primary endogenous hormone regulator of FSH.
- Follistatin (B): This is an autocrine glycoprotein expressed in many tissues, including the ovary and anterior pituitary gland.
Follistatin acts as a high-affinity binding protein that binds to and neutralizes activins.
Because activin is a strong stimulator of FSH synthesis and secretion, follistatin's neutralization of activin directly blocks this stimulatory pathway.
This results in the inhibition of FSH synthesis and release from the pituitary gland.
Therefore, Follistatin is a key hormone that inhibits FSH secretion.
- Relaxin (C): This hormone is produced by the corpus luteum and placenta. It acts to soften the cervix and pelvic ligaments prior to parturition, and does not directly regulate pituitary FSH.
- Activin (D): Produced in the gonads, activin directly stimulates the transcription of the FSH \(\beta\)-subunit gene, thereby increasing FSH synthesis and secretion. It is a stimulator, not an inhibitor.
Thus, Follistatin is the correct answer.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct option is (B).
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