Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations across the life span of laboratory-housed rhesus monkeys

Cross-sectional studies of humans have shown that dehydroepiandrosterone su lfate (DHEAS) peaks shortly after sexual maturation and declines thereafter , suggesting that the progressive reduction in DHEAS may play a role in the aging process and in the development of age-related morbidity. The present study examines changes in DHEAS concentrations across the life span of rhe sus monkeys as part of the development of this primate model for studies of aging. Serum concentrations of DHEAS were measured in 792 laboratory-house d rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) aged 0.5-36 years (527 females, 265 males ). DHEAS concentrations in all monkeys were used to formulate an equation t hat describes two levels of decline of DHEAS with age. The most rapid decli ne occurs from infancy until approximately 5 years of age. The decline then occurs gradually with increasing age. There were no signs of an andrenarch e just prior to sexual maturation, as is seen in humans or the great apes. This equation can be used to predict the expected mean serum DHEAS concentr ation and normal ranges of male or female rhesus monkeys at any age greater than 5 months.