Ovarian ageing and the general biology of senescence

Ovarian ageing is not only of major importance in its own right but is also of interest for its relationship with the general biology of senescence. A key feature of ageing is the distinction in higher animals between the imm ortality of the germ-line and the mortality of somatic cells and tissues. T he ovary contains the female germ cells, and it is through these cells that the female contribution to germ-line immortality is effected. It is abunda ntly clear that individual oocytes can and do age and that the ageing of th e ovary plays a major role in initiating or accelerating a series of other senescent changes. To understand how ovarian ageing fits within the general biology of senescence, it is necessary to explain why ageing occurs at all , to examine the likely mechanisms of general ageing, and to ask whether th ere is anything special about ovarian ageing and its relationship with the human menopause. Research on ovarian ageing interacts with the our emerging understanding of the general biology of senescence at many levels. ranging from the evolution of the human life history to the biochemical and cellul ar mechanisms of ageing and longevity. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.