Anti-Müllerian hormone in dogs and cats reproduction

Beate Walter

Background

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein produced by Sertoli cells in males and granulosa cells in females, is crucial in reproductive development and function. Originally identified in human blood serum, AMH inhibits Müllerian duct development in males and regulates follicular activity in females. In veterinary medicine, it has emerged as a diagnostic marker for reproductive conditions in dogs and cats.

Methods

This review compiles existing research on AMH in dogs and cats, focusing on its physiological roles, influencing factors (age, breed, reproductive cycle, test systems), and clinical applications. Studies involved measurement of AMH concentrations using ELISA-based and other immunoassays, with analyses of conditions like castration status, ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS), cryptorchidism, and reproductive tumors.

Results

Physiological Insights: AMH levels vary with age, breed, and reproductive stage. Young animals exhibit the highest levels, which decline post-puberty. In females, AMH levels fluctuate during the estrous cycle, with significant inter-individual variations.
Clinical Applications:
Castration Status: AMH reliably differentiates between intact and spayed/neutered animals, though false negatives can occur in prepubertal bitches.
ORS and Cryptorchidism: AMH is effective in diagnosing ORS in bitches and cryptorchidism in males.
Tumors: Elevated AMH levels are associated with granulosa cell tumors in females and Sertoli cell tumors in males.
Fertility: While promising as a fertility marker, high AMH variability across estrous cycles complicates its utility.
Test Systems: Variations in AMH values among test systems highlight the need for standardized assays.

Limitations

The variability of AMH measurements across cycles, breeds, and test systems limits its diagnostic precision. Additionally, the use of AMH as a fertility marker is hindered by inconsistent findings.

Conclusions

AMH has proven diagnostic value in differentiating reproductive statuses and identifying reproductive disorders in dogs and cats. Its application in fertility assessments requires further investigation, emphasizing the need for standardized testing protocols to improve reliability across studies.

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