Effect of immunization of sexually immature pullets against poly-alpha-L-glutamic acid on long-term fertility.
Poly-alpha-L-glutamic acid (PGA) is a polypeptide synthesized within the upper oviduct and uterovaginal junction of the hen. Sexually immature pullets were immunized against PGA. These virgin pullets, and immunized and non-immunized controls, were inseminated at 25 weeks of age and then monthly throughout a 30-week egg production interval. While birds immunized against PGA were free of PGA as evidenced by an absence of immunoprecipitation when rabbit anti-PGA serum was overlayed with oviduct extract, immunization had no effect on long-term fertility and therefore is unlikely to have an immunosuppressive or antigen-masking biological role with respect to spermatozoa. We suggest instead that PGA could act as a calcium binding protein.
Department of Poultry Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331-3402.
D P
DP
Froman
A M
AM
Elaghbary
J D
JD
Kirby
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D005298:Fertility / Q000276:immunology*; D007114:Immunization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010455:Peptides / Q000502:physiology*; D011099:Polyglutamic Acid / Q000502:physiology*; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors
D010455:Peptides; D011099:Polyglutamic Acid