Toward regulation of gonadal function by a synthetic hybrid molecule composed of gonadotropin and Fc fragment of immunoglobulin G.
A conjugate of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and Fc fragment of immunoglobulin G was prepared by covalent cross-linking using the heterobifunctional reagent, N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate. Mouse Leydig tumor cells expressing receptors for luteinizing hormone were specifically lysed in vitro as a consequence of complement fixation via the Fc component of the hybrid molecule. Furthermore, administration of HCG-Fc to rams caused an acute depression in circulatory testosterone. This novel concept of targeted inhibition of gonadal function could prove to have future applications in control of reproductive processes.
Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071-3684.
G A
GA
Johnson
C
C
Wilken
E A
EA
Van Kirk
E L
EL
Belden
W J
WJ
Murdoch
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D007141:Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects; D012756:Sheep; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000276:immunology
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D007141:Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone