Analysis of follicular events in owl monkeys (Aotus azarai infulatus) using B-mode and Doppler ultrasound

Abstract

Ultrasound (B-mode) was used to analyze follicular events in 12 trained female owl monkeys (Aotus azarai infulatus). The animals were examined every 48 hours for over 90 days to measure and map follicular growth in both ovaries and to measure (using Doppler velocimetry) local hemodynamic changes during the peri-ovulatory stage. There were 44 follicular growth events, each with two or three follicular waves, and a mean ± SEM interval between events of 17 ± 1.13 days. There were various hemodynamic changes during follicular growth; both vascular resistance index and pulsatility index decreased during the time when the follicle diameter peaked. Thus, both B-mode and Doppler ultrasound were useful for monitoring ovarian follicular events in owl monkeys.

Ovarian function in captive owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae and A. vociferans)

“…Similar results were observed in the present study. Curiously, the right ovary of owl monkeys has previously been described as being significantly larger that the left ovary , but the opposite result was described elsewhere . The present study showed that ovarian size is related to ovarian activity and does not vary between contralateral ovaries.…”

“…The owl monkeys are a valuable model for a number of health studies, such as malaria and ophthalmic physiology . Previous studies on owl monkeys include the use of ultrasonography to evaluate abdominal and pelvic organs , and analysis of bacteria from male and female genitalia . However, little is known about their reproductive morphophysiology .…”

Abdominal ultrasound in Saguinus ursulus

“…11,24,26 Regarding the ovarian follicle found during the acclimatization phase, the structure presented characteristics similar to those described in the literature about neotropical primates. 27,31,32 However, the failure to observe the development of follicles in other females during the study period may be related to reproductive factors not yet studied; in the genus Saguinus, the type of reproductive cycle of females is not determined, due to characteristics of both estral cycle and menstrual cycle. 33,34 It should not be overlooked that the acyclicity observed in females may also be related to the behavioral aspects of these animals.…”

Ultrasonography‐guided oocyte recovery in owl monkeys (aotus azarai infulatus)

“…Examining anatomy contributes to an understanding of a species' particular morphophysiology, aiming toward its conservation and captive care. Ultrasonography is one of the most commonly used techniques in routine and captive‐bred, non‐human primates (NHP), and has become more useful and frequently applied to gynecological evaluation (Figure 1B) and reproduction biotechniques such as ovum retrieval 5 …”