ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein of the transforming growth factor-ß superfamily secreted by male Sertoli cells and female ovarian granulosa cells. This study determined squirrel monkey AMH levels as influenced by gender and seasonality. METHODS: Squirrel monkey sera AMH were measured by an enzymatically amplified two-site immunoassay. RESULTS: A significant difference (P<0.001) was found in AMH levels between male (mean=3.46 ng/ml) and female squirrel monkeys (mean=22.12 ng/ml). A significant difference (P<0.05) was found in male AMH levels between breeding (mean=4.21 ng/ml) and non-breeding seasons (mean=2.78 ng/ml). No significant differences were found between female groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-mullerian hormone levels in female squirrel monkeys are the highest in any primate species reported, whereas in the male, levels are within reported ranges. The AMH assay may allow us soon to assess the squirrel monkey fertility potential as a function of various factors.
