Three-dimensional microanatomical dynamics of the ovary in postreproductive aged women.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the microanatomical dynamics of the ovary during postreproductive life.


METHODS
Retrospective, observational research study.


METHODS
Institutional (university).


METHODS
Eleven (43- to 72-year-old) women in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause.


METHODS
Biopsies of ovaries obtained from patients undergoing gynecologic surgery or diagnostic procedures.


METHODS
Analysis of the 3-dimensional microanatomy of the ovary by transmission and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy.


RESULTS
The surface epithelium gets gradually flatter and is always present, even in advanced age. The surface appears smoother because of a smaller number of papillae and crypts as well as a decreased number and shortening of microvilli on surface epithelial cells. Signs of atrophy and fibrosis are evident. Primordial follicles are usually absent in postmenopause, whereas corpora atretica, hemorrhagica, and albicantia, scar tissue, and simple follicular cysts are common after menopause. Apoptotic and necrotic cells appear frequently within the surface epithelium. Major common features are a marked reduction in number and caliber of blood vessels with thickening of the vascular walls and changes in endothelial cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Scanning electron microscopy studies are a useful complement to ordinary gynecologic diagnostic methods. Variations among patients of the same age range or functional status should be considered.
Department of Anatomy, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. pietro.motta@uniroma1.it
Pietro M
PM
Motta
Rosemarie
R
Heyn
Sayoko
S
Makabe
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002979:Climacteric; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010053:Ovary / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D017698:Postmenopause; D012189:Retrospective Studies