Cognitive behavior and sensory function were significantly influenced by restoration of active ovarian function in postreproductive mice.

In mammals, the relationship between reproductive function and health has been particularly difficult to define. Previously, in old, postreproductive-aged mice, replacement of senescent ovaries with new ovaries from young, actively cycling mice increased life span. We hypothesized that the same factors that increased life span would also influence health span.

Restoration of immune and renal function in aged females by re-establishment of active ovarian function.

Proper immune functioning is necessary to maximize reproductive success. In addition, age-associated uremia in women is often associated with hypothalamic--pituitary-gonadal dysfunction. In the present experiments, we tested immune and renal function to determine if exposure of postreproductive mice to young, reproductively cycling ovaries would influence non-reproductive physiological functions.

Manipulation of Ovarian Function Significantly Influenced Sarcopenia in Postreproductive-Age Mice.

Previously, transplantation of ovaries from young cycling mice into old postreproductive-age mice increased life span. We anticipated that the same factors that increased life span could also influence health span. Female CBA/J mice received new (60 d) ovaries at 12 and 17 months of age and were evaluated at 16 and 25 months of age, respectively.