Histological Observations in Human Ovaries From Embryonic to Menopausal Age

Abstract

Age related changes in the ovaries such as formation, differentiation and growth of follicles and stroma are indicators of reproductive competence. Age related changes in the histological structure of ovary from embryonic to menopausal age was not reported in the literature. Aim: To observe the age related changes in the histological structure of human ovaries in local population from prenatal to postmenopausal age in the Andhra Pradesh region of india. Materials and Methods: A total of 79 formaline preserved ovaries collected from aborted embryos, dead fetuses, adult cadavers and during surgical oophorectomy were processed for routine tissue processing, section cutting (5microns) and Haematoxylin and eosin staining. The histological sections of ovaries at various ages were observed for the appearance of germinal epithelium, tunica albuginea, types of follicles and their stage of development / atresia in the cortex, appearance of medulla and cortico-medullary differentiation etc. Representative fields were photographed. Results: 4 weeks delay of decline in the number of oogonia, 12 weeks delay in cortico-medullary demarcation, 8 weeks delay in the initiation of follicular degeneration were observed. Longer delay in follicularization ie. formation of Graafian follicle at 5 yrs and flat germinal epithelium and whirling pattern at 40 years were observed. Conclusion: When compared to literature there is delay in the formation, maturation and degeneration of follicles and cortico-medullary demarcation in the present study. This study forms the database for the age related histological appearance of human ovaries in the wide age range of embryonic to menopausal age in the local population.