IDENTIFICATION OF RHESUS MACAQUES WITH SPONTANEOUS ENDOMETRIOSIS

Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with endometriosis were identified us ing reproductive histories, serum levels CA-125, pelvic ultrasonograph y, laparoscopy, and histopathology. All animals were evaluated from a large breeding colony and had a history of infertility and/or spontane ous abortions. Laparoscopy and ultrasonography were performed on 40 ma caques: 27 macaques from the breeding colony with elevated CA-125 leve ls, ten macaques from the breeding colony with normal or low serum CA- 125 levels, and three macaques from another facility with previously d iagnosed spontaneous endometriosis. Clinical endometriosis was diagnos ed by laparoscopy in 16/37 (43%) macaques from the breeding colony and was confirmed by histologic examination in all animals biopsied. The disease was classified as minimal (40%), mild (25%), moderate (10%), o r severe (25%). The most common sites of endometriosis were the serosa l surface of the uterus (75%) and the posterior cul-de-sac (75%). In t his study, CA-125 levels were useful in identifying animals from the b reeding colony with endometriosis. The rhesus macaque provides a valua ble animal model to study endometriosis and potentially to assess effi cacy of therapeutic agents for this disease condition.