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.
Johnson
G A
GA
Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82071-3684.
Wilken
C
C
Van Kirk
E A
EA
Belden
E L
EL
Murdoch
W J
WJ
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