Elevation of follicular phase inhibin and luteinizing hormone levels in mothers of dizygotic twins suggests nonovarian control of human multiple ovulation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether multiple ovulation in mothers of spontaneous dizygotic (DZ) twins is because of higher hypothalamic stimulation or is in response to lower serum levels of ovarian inhibin.

DESIGN

Serum hormone levels were measured at five times throughout the cycle in a sample of eight mothers of DZ twins and paired controls. On day 12, ovarian ultrasonography was performed.

SETTING

Blood samples were collected in participants' homes except on day 12 when they were collected at the ultrasonography clinic.

PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Human volunteers who had at least one set of spontaneous DZ twins were paired with controls matched for age and parity.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum inhibin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) levels on approximate cycle days 1,2,8,12, and 21.

RESULTS

Serum inhibin levels were elevated throughout the cycle (significantly on day 1) in mothers of DZ twins. Also elevated were early follicular FSH levels, LH levels throughout the follicular phase (significantly on days 1,2, and 8), and early to midfollicular E2 (significantly on day 8) in DZ mothers, indicative overall of greater follicular activity.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded (1) that the primary cause of multiple ovulation in humans is not a decrease in inhibin secretion from the ovary; (2) the increased secretion of FSH and LH may be caused by elevated secretion of, or sensitivity to gonadotropin-releasing hormone; and (3) the elevated inhibin and E2 levels are a response to increased gonadotropin release.