The interrelationship between anti‐Müllerian hormone, ovarian follicular populations and age in mares

Abstract

Our findings indicate that the relationship between AMH and AFC varies across age groups, and concentrations of AMH might be a better reflection of reproductive age than calendar age.

Molecular changes in the equine follicle in relation to variations in antral follicle count and anti‐Müllerian hormone concentrations

“…This result supports a previous study showing that peripheral AMH concentrations are primarily associated with the number of follicles between 6 and 20 mm [3]. This result supports a previous study showing that peripheral AMH concentrations are primarily associated with the number of follicles between 6 and 20 mm [3].…”

“…A recent study, however, revealed that increasing oestradiol concentrations reduces the expression of AMH via oestrogen receptor beta (ESR2) [15]. A single blood sample was collected 6 days after ovulation for determination of plasma AMH concentrations, and AFC was determined as previously described [3]. Follicle-stimulating hormone acting through the FSHR also plays a role in the regulation of AMH; however, it is unclear whether FSH has a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the expression of AMH [16,17].…”

“…Anti-M€ ullerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein synthesised by the granulosa cells of the ovary, plays an important role in folliculogenesis [1]. Peripheral AMH concentrations vary widely between mares [2], and this variability is associated with antral follicle counts (AFC) [3]. Within mares, AFC were highly repeatable (q = 0.96) and varied almost 100 fold between mares (1-98 follicles) [3].…”

A putative role for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in optimising ovarian reserve expenditure

“…Women who begin their life with a low antral follicle count/ovarian reserve tend to experience low AMH levels relative to other women of similar age. This relationship is observed in multiple species including mice, cows, goats and horses (Kevenaar et al 2006, Monniaux et al 2012, Batista et al 2014, Claes et al 2015.…”

Progress in broodmare practice as based on recent papers in Equine Veterinary Journal

“…Anti-M€ ullerian hormone, ovarian follicular populations and age [7] Mares do not have a menopause as such, but fertility declines with age for several, poorly understood reasons. One contributing factor is undoubtedly irregular cycling manifested by prolonged follicular phases and leading ultimately to a cessation of ovulation.…”