Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Aging, Reproduction, and the Climacteric pp 179–199Cite as

Ovarian Changes During the Climacteric

  • Chapter

Abstract

The main known functions of the human ovary are the cyclic release of oocytes and the elaboration of steroid hormones. These two functions are closely interrelated during a reproductive life span that may last up to four decades. During this period, cyclic and repetitive changes in estrogen and progesterone secretion are integrated with follicle maturation, ovulation, corpus luteum formation and regression. Cessation of reproductive life is characterized by a decline in ga-metogenic and steroidogenic functions. This decline is gradual and thus ovarian aging represents the conclusion of a chain of events that begins in childhood and terminates with death. This chapter will consider these events from a structural point of view. Greater emphasis will be placed on those morphologic changes that characterize the human ovary between cessation of reproduction and senescence.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Adams, A. T., and Auersperg, N., 1981, Transformation of cultured rat ovarian surface epithelial cells by Kirsten murine sarcoma virus, Cancer Res. 41:2063–2072.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, E., Lee, G., Letourneau, R., Albertini, D. F., and Meiler, S. M., 1976, Cytological observations of the ovarian epithelium in mammals during the reproductive cycle, J. Morphol. 150:135–166.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Balboni, G. C., 1976, Histology of the ovary, in: The Endocrine Function of the Human Ovary, Volume 7 (V. H. T. James, M. Serio, and G. Giusti, eds.), Academic Press, New York, pp. 1–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bigelow, B., 1958, Comparison of ovarian and endometrial morphology spanning the menopause, Obstet. Gynecol. 11:487–513.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blaustein, A., 1981, Surface (germinal) epithelium and related ovarian neoplasms, Pathol. Annu. 16(1):247–294.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bodlingmaier, J., Wagner-Barmack, M., Butenandt, O., and Knorr, D., 1973, Plasma estrogens in childhood and puberty under physiologic and pathologic conditions, Pediatr. Res. 7:901–907.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boss, J. H., Scully, R. E., Wegner, K. H., and Cohen, R. B., 1965, Structural variations in the adult ovary — Clinical significance, Obstet. Gynecol. 25:747–763.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chang, J. R., and Judd, H. L., 1981, The ovary after menopause, Clin. Obstet. Gynecol. 24:181–191.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Costoff, A., and Mahesh, V. B., 1975, Primordial follicles with normal oocytes in the ovaries of postmenopausal women, J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 23:193–196.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cramer, D. W., and Welch, W. R., 1983, Determinants of ovarian cancer risk. II. Interferences regarding pathogenesis. JNCI 7:717–721.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dennefors, B. L., Janson, P. O., Hamberger, L., and Knutsson, F., 1982, Hilus cells from human postmenopausal ovaries: Gonadotrophin sensitivity, steroid and cyclic AMP production, Acta Obstet. Gynecol. Scand. 61:413–416.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Faiman, C., Winter, J. S. D., and Reyes, F. I., 1976, Patterns of gonadotropins and gonadal steroids throughout life, Clinics Obstet. Gynec. 3:467–483.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fiemberg, R., 1981, Thecosis, Pathol. Annu. 16(2):239–271.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forest, M. G., 1979, Function of the ovary in the neonate and infant, Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. 9:145–160.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Forest, M. G., dePeretti, E., and Bertrand, J., 1976, Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal relationships in man from birth to puberty, Clin. Endocrinol. 5:555–569.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gondos, B., 1975, Surface epithelium of the developing ovary, Am. J. Pathol. 81:303–320.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Graham, C. E., Kling, R. O., and Steiner, R. A. 1979, Reproductive senescence in female non-human primates, in: Aging in Nonhuman Primates (D. M. Bowden, ed.), Van Nostrand Rein-hold, New York, pp. 183–202.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, T. C., Henderson, W. J., and Eaton, C., 1980, Isolation and growth of the rat ovarian germinal epithelium, in: Tissue Culture in Medical Research (R. J. Richards and K. T. Rajan, eds.), Pergamon, New York, pp. 237–244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, T. C., Davies, P., and Griffiths, K., 1981, Androgen and oestrogen binding in cytosols of human ovarian tumours, J. Endocrinol. 90:421–431.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hammond, C. B., and Maxson, W. S., 1982, Current status of estrogen therapy for the menopause, Fertil. Steril. 37:5–25.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Herbold, D. R., Frable, W. J., and Kraus, F. T., 1984, Isolated noninfectious granulomas of the ovary, Int. J. Gynecol. Pathol 2:380–391.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hertig, A. T., 1944, The aging ovary: A preliminary note, J. Clin. Endocrinol. 4:581–582.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hughesdon, P. E., 1978, Postnatal formation of ovarian stroma and its relation to ovarian pathology, Int. J. Gynaecol. Obstet. 16:8–19.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Judd, H. L., Judd, G. E., Lucas, W. E., and Yen, S. S. C., 1974, Endocrine function of the postmenopausal ovary: Concentration of androgens and estrogens in ovarian and peripheral vein blood, J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 39:1020–1024.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Laffargue, P., Benkoel, L., Laffargue, F., Casamora, P., and Chamlian, A., 1978, Ultrastructural and enzyme histochemical study of ovarian hilar cells in women and their relationships with sympathetic nerves, Hum. Pathol. 9:650–659.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lang, W. R., and Aponte, G. E., 1967, Gross and microscopic anatomy of the aged female reproductive organs, Clin. Obstet. Gynecol. 10:454–465.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loeb, L., 1948, Aging processes in the ovaries of mice belonging to strains differing in the incidence of mammary carcinoma, Arch. Path. 46:401–440.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McNatty, K. P., Hunter, W. M., McNeilly, A. S., and Sawers, R. S., 1975, Changes in the concentration of pituitary and steroid hormones in the follicular fluid of human graafian follicles throughout the menstrual cycle, J. Endocrinol. 64:555–571.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McNatty, K. P., Makris, A., DeGrazia, C., Osathanondl, R., and Ryan, K. J., 1979, The production of progesterone, androgens, and estrogens by granulosa cells, thecal tissue, and stromal tissue from human ovaries in vitro, J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 49:687–699.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moment, G. B., 1978, The Ponce de Leon trail today, in: The Biology of Aging (J. A. Behnke, C. E. Finch, and G. B. Moment, eds.), Plenum Press, New York, pp. 1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monroe, S. E., and Menon, K. M. J., 1977, Changes in reproductive hormone secretion during the climacteric and postmenopausal periods, Clin. Obstet. Gynecol. 20:113–122.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mossman, H. W., and Duke, K. L., 1973, Comparative Morphology of the Mammalian Ovary, University of Wisconsin Press, Madison.

    Google Scholar 

  • Motta, P. M., Van Blerkom, J., and Makabe, S., 1980, Changes in the surface morphology of ovarian germinal epithelium during the reproductive cycle and in some pathological conditions. A correlative three-dimensional analysis by transmission, scanning and high voltage electron microscopy, J. Submicrosc. Cytol. 12:407–425.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicosia, S. V., 1983, Morphological changes of the human ovary throughout life, in: The Ovary (G. B. Serra, ed.), Raven Press, New York, pp. 57–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicosia, S. V., and Johnson, J. M., 1984, Surface morphology of ovarian mesothelium (surface epithelium) and other pelvic and extrapelvic mesothelial sites in the rabbit, Int. J. Gynecol. Pathol. 3:249–260.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nicosia, S. V., Johnson, J. M., and Streibel, E. J., 1984, Isolation and ultrastructure of rabbit ovarian mesothelium (surface epithelium), Int. J. Gynecol. Pathol. 3:348–360.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nicosia, S. V., Johnson, J. M., and Streibel, E. J., 1985, Growth characteristics of rabbit ovarian mesothelial (surface epithelial) cells, Int. J. Gynecol. Pathol. 4:58–74.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Novak, E. R., 1970, Ovulation after fifty, Obstet. Gynecol. 36:903–910.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Osterholzer, H. O., Streibel, E. J., and Nicosia, S. V., 1985, Growth effects of protein hormones on cultured rabbit ovarian surface epithelial cells, Biol. Reprod. 33: 247–258.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Papadaki, L., Beilby, J. O. W., Chowaniec, J., Coulson, W. F., Darby, A. J., Newman, J., O’Shea, A., and Wikes, J. R., 1979, Hormone replacement therapy in the menopause: A suitable animal model, J. Endocrinol. 83:67–77.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peluso, J. J., Steger, R. W., Jaszczak, S., and Hafez, E. S. E., 1976, Gonadotropin binding sites in human postmenopausal ovaries, Fertil. Steril. 27:788–795.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peters, H., Himelstein-Braw, R., and Faber, M., 1976, The normal development of the ovary in childhood, Acta Endocrinol. 82:617–630.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Piana, L., and Laffargue, F., 1975, Les ovaries apres la menopause, Inserm 55:195–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reeves, G., 1980, Stromal and follicular compartments of the ovary. Their influence in the development and involution of the organ, in: Endocrine Physiopathology of the Ovary (R. I. Tozzini, G. Reeves, and R. L. Pineda, eds.), Elsevier/North Holland Biomedical Press, Amsterdam, pp. 137–150.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reeves, G., and Jacobs, J., 1980, Ultrastructure of the stroma of the human ovary, in: Endocrine Physiopathology of the Ovary (R. I. Tozzini, G. Reeves, and R. L. Pineda, eds.), Elsevier/ North Holland Biomedical Press, New York, pp. 121–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross, G. T., and Lipsett, M. B., 1978, Hormonal correlates of normal and abnormal follicle growth after puberty in humans and other primates, Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. 7:561–573.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Russel, P., Bannatyne, P., Shearman, R. P., Fraser, I. S., and Corbett, P., 1982, Premature hypergonadotropic ovarian failure: Clinicopathological study of 19 cases, Int. J. Gynecol. Pathol. 1:185–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanyal, M. K., Berger, M. J., Thompson, I. E., Taymor, M. L., and Home, H. W., 1974, Development of grafian follicles in adult human ovary. I. Correlation of estrogen and progesterone concentration in antral fluid with growth of follicles, J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 38:828–835.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scully, R. E., 1977, Ovarian tumors, A. Review, Am. J. Pathol. 87:686–720.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Siiteri, P. K., and MacDonald, P. C., 1973, Role of extraglandular estrogen in human endocrinology, in: Handbook of Physiology: The Female Reproductive System, Section 7, Volume 2, Pt. 1 (R. Greep, ed.), American Physiological Society, Bethesda, pp. 615–629.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thung, P. J., 1961, Aging changes in the ovary, in: Structural Aspects of Aging (G. H. Bourne, ed.), Hafner, New York, pp. 109–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Timiras, P. S., and Meisami, E., 1972, Changes in gonadal function, in: Developmental Physiology and Aging (P. S. Timiras, ed.), MacMillan, New York, pp. 527–541.

    Google Scholar 

  • Utian, W. H., 1976, The climacteric syndrome, in: Consensus on Menopause Research (P. A. van Keep, R. B. Greenblatt, and M. Albeaux-Fernet, eds.), MTP Press, Lancaster, p. 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vermeulen, A., 1976, The hormonal activity of the postmenopausal ovary, J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 42:247–253.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. Santo V. Nicosia

    Present address: Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, 33612, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA

    Santo V. Nicosia

Authors
  1. Santo V. Nicosia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Luigi Mastroianni Jr.

  2. University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, Washington, USA

    C. Alvin Paulsen

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1986 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Nicosia, S.V. (1986). Ovarian Changes During the Climacteric. In: Mastroianni, L., Paulsen, C.A. (eds) Aging, Reproduction, and the Climacteric. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5047-7_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5047-7_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-5049-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-5047-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation