The noradrenergic innervation of the ovary in old rats

The influence of ageing on the noradrenergic innervation of the ovary was studied in female Wistar rats using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection and catecholamine histofluorescence techniques. Old age was accompanied by a significant decrease in ovarian noradrenaline levels. In young animals (3-month-old) noradrenergic nerve fibres were distributed primarily to blood vessels and in lesser amounts to the interstitial glands. In aged animals (24-month-old) perivascular noradrenergic fibres were reduced by more than 40%; interstitial gland nerve fibres were reduced by approximately 20%. The possibility that impaired noradrenergic ovarian innervation occurring in old age may be in some way related with age-dependent failure in reproductive activity is discussed.