Endometriosis in rhesus monkeys.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Primate Research
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition in humans.
• Its occurrence in non-human primates is rare, making Rhesus monkeys a significant model.
• Understanding endometriosis in Rhesus monkeys offers insights into the disease's pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report and characterize cases of endometriosis in a Rhesus monkey colony.
• To investigate potential causes and clinical manifestations of endometriosis in these primates.
• To contribute to the understanding of endometriosis in non-human primates.

Main Methods:

• Observation of clinical signs including appetite loss, constipation, abdominal distension, and palpable pelvic masses.
• Necropsy findings including the volume of abdominal fluid and location of endometrial implants.
• Histopathological examination of affected tissues (not explicitly stated but implied).

Main Results:

• Five out of six sacrificed Rhesus monkeys presented with endometriosis.
• Clinical signs included anorexia, constipation, abdominal distension, and pelvic masses.
• Autopsies revealed hemoperitoneum (300-500 ml) and intestinal or pelvic endometriosis.

Conclusions:

• Endometriosis can occur in Rhesus monkeys, presenting with significant clinical signs.
• Retrograde menstruation is the most probable cause of endometriosis in this species.
• Further research is needed to understand the rarity of this condition in free-ranging colonies versus captive settings.