ISSN:
1749-6632
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Natural Sciences in General
Notes:
Among physiological systems, that of reproduction in females probably shows greater variation in functional activity during life than any other. In our own species, the reproductive lifespan begins at menarche and ends at menopause, a span averaging 36 years in Western countries.1 Reproductive potential reaches a peak value after a short period of postpubertal maturation, but steadily declines during the fourth and fifth decades of life2,3 and is lost irretrievably when ovarian cycles cease at about age 50.4 The effects of maternal age on fecundity and fertility are complex and multifactorial, involving a progressive depletion of the ovarian follicular store, production of defective oocytes, and reduced competence of the organs and systems required to sustain gestation successfully. Inbred rodents have been studied extensively to assess the relative weight of these factors because they are inexpensive, have a lifespan of only 2–3.5 years, and offer opportunities to identify hierarchical responsibility in aging by heterochronic organ transplantation. In the following sections the effects of aging on three variables affecting reproduction at late ages are described. The CBA mouse has been chosen as the principal model since reproductive life in this animal is completed within a year of age.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1985.tb37504.x
