Ovarian cyclicity, hormones, and behavior as markers of aging in female pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina).
Age-related differences in reproductive function were studied to identify variables suitable for a battery of noninvasive tests used to measure aging rate. Twenty-seven adult female pigtailed macaques, ranging in age from 8 to 31 years, were studied in a cross-sectional design. Perineal tumescence, menses, and activity in the home environment were recorded daily. Sexual behavior, when paired with unfamiliar males of three age groups, was observed six times in the early follicular phase of two ovarian cycles. Estradiol, LH, and FSH were measured twice during the same time period. Of the behavioral measures, mount, present, and activity were found to be lower in old than in young females. Of the physiological measures, ovarian cyclicity was less regular, estradiol was lower, and FSH and LH were higher in old compared to young females. Correlations between measures suggested two dimensions of reproductive function, a behavioral dimension and a physiological dimension.
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University of Washington Regional Primate Research Center.
England
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Bridson
W E
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Bowden
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DM
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000097:blood*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008254:Macaca nemestrina; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal
D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone