Correlation of ovarian reserve tests with histologically determined primordial follicle number.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between clinical markers of ovarian reserve and the true ovarian reserve as determined by the ovarian primordial follicle number.


METHODS
Prospective investigation.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Forty-two healthy women (aged 26-52 years) undergoing oophorectomy for benign gynecologic indications.


METHODS
Transvaginal ultrasound examination for the determination of the ovarian antral follicle count (AFC) and serum measurements of clinical markers of ovarian reserve. All measurements were obtained within 2 weeks of surgery, irrespective of cycle day. Ovarian primordial follicle count was then determined using a validated fractionator/optical disector method.


METHODS
Univariate and partial correlations between ovarian reserve markers and ovarian primordial follicle count.


RESULTS
There were significant correlations between the ovarian primordial follicle count and AFC (r=0.78), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH; r=0.72), FSH (r=-0.32), inhibin B (r=0.40), and chronological age (r=-0.80). After adjusting for age, significant correlations were identified between the ovarian primordial follicle count and AFC (r=0.53) and AMH (r=0.48).


CONCLUSIONS
The ovarian AFC and serum levels of AMH correlate with the ovarian primordial follicle number even after adjustment for chronological age.
Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73190, USA. karl-hansen@ouhsc.edu
Karl R
KR
Hansen
George M
GM
Hodnett
Nicholas
N
Knowlton
LaTasha B
LB
Craig
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone / Q000097:blood; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010052:Ovariectomy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards
D015415:Biomarkers; D007265:Inhibins; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone