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Published on: September 23, 2025
Reproductive abnormalities in aged female Macaca fascicularis
Michele Wilkinson1, Sherry Walters, Taryn Smith
1Alcon Research Ltd., 6201 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76134, USA. Michele.wilkinson@alconlabs.com
Journal of Medical Primatology
|April 9, 2008
Summary
Geriatric female macaques experienced spontaneous reproductive abnormalities, including tumors and hyperplasia. These findings offer new insights into non-human primate reproductive diseases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Primate Reproductive Health
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Six geriatric female macaques (Macaca fascicularis) of Philippine origin, aged 19-22 years, developed spontaneous reproductive tract abnormalities after ~15 years in captivity.
- Clinical signs ranged from asymptomatic to severe, including cyclical recumbency and lethargy, with abdominal masses noted in all individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize spontaneous reproductive tract abnormalities in geriatric female macaques.
- To provide novel insights into reproductive diseases prevalent in this specific non-human primate population.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive diagnostics including physical examination, complete blood counts, clinical chemistries, radiography, and ultrasonography were performed.
- Surgical intervention involved ovariosalpingohysterectomy for all affected animals.
Main Results:
- Histological examination revealed a range of abnormalities: ovarian granulosa cell tumor, ovarian pseudocystic cavitation with encapsulating fibrosis, uterine smooth muscle hyperplasia, uterine leiomyosarcoma, and uterine leiomyoma with possible adenomyosis.
Conclusions:
- The reproductive diseases identified in these geriatric macaques are distinct from those previously reported in other non-human primate species.
- This study contributes novel insights into the pathology of reproductive disorders in aging female M. fascicularis.
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