Histologic evidence for age-related differences in ovarian function in tamarins (Saguinus sp.; primates)

The ovaries of 15 tamarins (Saguinus sp.) between 2 and 16 yr of age were collected at necropsy and examined for evidence of age-related differences. As expected, there was a marked decline in the number of primary follicles with advancing age. Age and the number of primary follicles available had minimal effect on the number of follicles recruited into the preantral population; however, there were significant decreases in the number of large preantral and antral follicles with increasing age. The observed decline in follicular development with age was consistent with a reproductive decline with age observed in some tamarin females. Luteal-like masses were found in all ovaries examined and their size and appearance was unrelated to age.