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Updated: May 13, 2026

Whole Ovary Immunofluorescence, Clearing, and Multiphoton Microscopy for Quantitative 3D Analysis of the Developing Ovarian Reserve in Mouse
Published on: September 3, 2021
Ovarian aging: maintenance and activation of the primordial follicle pool
Qian Wang1, Guodong Zhao1, Jiaqi Zhou2
1School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255000, China.
Abstract:
As the earliest aging organ in females, the ovary undergoes functional decline and structural senescence that drive reproductive system alterations. Central to this process is the primordial follicle-the non-renewable reserve of female germ cells and the sole source for oocyte development. The primordial follicle pool is established prenatally, fixed in quantity, and cannot regenerate after birth, serving as the fundamental biological reserve that determines both fertility potential and reproductive lifespan. Once depletion begins, it is irreversible, directly limiting the reproductive window and influencing ovarian endocrine function. Therefore, this review briefly summarizes the latest research progress on primordial follicle development, providing an in-depth analysis of primordial follicle dormancy and activation mechanisms as well as therapeutic approaches for associated complications. This work holds significant implications for understanding reproductive aging, preventing and treating reproductive endocrine disorders, and developing novel fertility strategies, offering valuable references for comprehending the biological mechanisms and potential applications of primordial follicles.
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