Determination of anti-mullerian hormone levels in blood in cats of different age groups

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone that plays an important regulatory role in folliculogenesis during female reproduction. The aim of this study was to determine the AMH level in female cats of different age groups (prepubertal, adult, mature and senior) and to determine the possible correlation with age. The study material consisted of cats brought to Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for physical examination or ovariohysterectomy. The cats were categorised into five groups: Group I: (2-5 months, n=10), Group II: (7 months-7 years, n=10), Group III: (8-12 years, n=8) and Group IV: (12-15 years, n=8), Group V: (7 months-7 years-old spayed cats, n=10). The body weights of cats were determined in all groups. In the study, blood samples taken during routine examination of cats were used, and after the serum was extracted, serum AMH levels were determined using a commercial ELISA kit. Vaginal smears were taken from queens in G2, G3 and G4 prior to ovariohysterectomy and their cycle periods were determined. After ovariohysterectomy, the ovaries were dissected out of the surrounding tissue while preserving their morphological integrity and weighed on the right and left with a precision balance and their longitudinal lengths were measured. Group I had a mean AMH level of 6.14±1.52 ng/ml, group II had a mean AMH level of 5.11±0.75 ng/ml, group III had a mean AMH level of 2.36±0.46 ng/ml, group IV had a mean AMH level of 0.73±0.17 ng/ml and group V had a mean AMH level of 0.09±0.0095 ng/ml. It was found that the AMH levels differed significantly between the age groups (p<0.001). In the comparison made according to the estrous cycle phases, no difference was found in AMH levels according to sexual cycle status (p = 0,41). When the relationship between body weights and serum AMH levels of cats was examined, a negative, statistically significant relationship was found (p = 0,005). No significant relationship was established between ovarian weights and longitudinal lengths and AMH levels (p>0,05). In this study, the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were compared in female cats of different age groups and the results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the age groups (p<0,001). The differences observed mainly in the prepubertal and geriatric age groups indicate that there may be significant changes in AMH levels with age. These results contribute to the limited number of age group comparisons (prepubertal and geriatric cats) in the literature and support the potential of AMH in clinical and research settings.