The ovarian network has long been considered useless in women, but new research finds it plays an important role in reproduction - Illustration photo AI
Although discovered in humans since 1870, the ovarian reticulum was once considered an "evolutionary relic" in women, meaning it had a function during the embryonic stage but no longer has a role in the adult body.
However, research by a group of scientists at the University of Michigan (USA), published in the journal eLife , has changed this long-standing view.
They demonstrated that the ovarian reticulum not only exists in a purely functional manner, but can also play an active role in maintaining ovarian function, regulating hormones, and even supporting fertility.
Using mass spectrometry, scientists detected thousands of proteins present in the ovarian reticular layers, including IGFBP2, a protein that may be involved in ovarian function and follicle development.
Another set of experiments also showed that fluid within the ovarian reticulum migrates toward the ovary, suggesting that it is not just a passive structure, but may be involved in maintaining the ovarian environment.
The ovarian reticulum (Rete ovarii) is a horseshoe-shaped network of small tubes located below the ovary, at the site where blood vessels and nerves enter the organ - Photo: Apperson, KD
Notably, the cells of the ovarian reticulum also express genes encoding receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone: two important hormones in the menstrual cycle and female reproductive health.
Professor Adam Taylor (Lancaster University, UK) commented: "The ovarian reticulum seems to have a role in maintaining the stability of the ovary, sensing the movement of surrounding fluids, and especially endocrine function, something that scientists have never thought of before."
Although the new study was conducted on mice, because this structure also exists in many other mammals such as cows, dogs, cats, monkeys... and humans also have a similar mechanism for developing genitals in the early stages of mice, scientists believe that these findings are very likely to apply to humans.
"The anatomy of the female reproductive system still holds many mysteries that modern medicine has yet to fully explore. I hope this discovery will open a new door, helping scientists continue their journey to decipher the sophisticated mechanisms that have been forgotten for centuries," said Dr. Dilara Anbarci, lead author of the study.
Elucidating the role of the ovarian reticulum not only questions old views in anatomy, but may also open up new directions in the treatment of diseases related to the female reproductive system, especially endocrine disorders, infertility, and disorders related to ovarian function.
This discovery is also considered a foundation for advances in modern reproductive medicine, from a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of the ovaries, to the development of more precise and effective assisted reproductive methods in the future.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phat-hien-bat-ngo-ve-bo-phan-bi-coi-la-vo-dung-cua-phu-nu-20250418120406839.htm
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