Amino acids 233-264, corresponding to the N-terminus of the mature region of the human inhibin alpha subunit, were used as the immunogen for the INHA antibody.
It recognizes a 47kDa protein, which is identified as alpha sub-unit of Inhibin. It is a gonadal protein that preferentially suppresses the secretion of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Inhibin comprises two subunits, Inhibin A and Inhibin B. Each subunit consists of the same ) superfamily. Antibodies against Inhibin are useful in making a differentiation between adrenal cortical tumors and renal cell carcinoma. Sex cord stromal tumors of the ovary as well as trophoblastic tumors also demonstrate cytoplasmic positivity. Inhibin antibody is also used to make the differential diagnosis of intra-uterine vs. ectopic pregnancy in endometrial curetting.
