| Abstract: | The decline of testosterone levels in aging men is well documented. However, it is unclear to what extent the Sertoli cell marker inhibin B changes during aging. Herein we report on the determination of serum levels of inhibin B, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone in 906 patients from 16 to 89 years of age, presenting to our department for different complaints. There was a weak but significant correlation of the levels of inhibin B with age (r = 0.064, p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation of FSH and inhibin B was documented in all age groups (r = -0.423, p < 0.01). Also, the LH levels increased significantly with low inhibin B levels (r = -0.289, p < 0.01). Testosterone levels showed no significant correlation with inhibin B. We conclude from our study that Sertoli cell function as documented by serum levels of inhibin B is stable throughout life. In addition, the ongoing correlation of FSH and inhibin levels also indicates no significant decline of Sertoli cell function in the aging male. |
