Local reproductive tract immunity to sperm-specific lactate dehydrogenase-C4.
Immunity to sperm-specific lactate dehydrogenase C4 (LDH-C4) results in reduction of fertility in females. Stimulation of a local mucosal immune response to LDH-C4 in the reproductive tract would guarantee the presence of antibodies at the site of fertilization, which should enhance suppression of fertility. After intrauterine immunization with LDH-C4, SJL/J female mice secrete immunoglobulin (Ig)A antibodies specific for LDH-C4 into their uterine fluids. Furthermore, these animals demonstrate a lower pregnancy rate than controls receiving an intrauterine immunization without LDH-C4. Thus, induction of a local immune response is an effective alternative to systemic immunization for administering a contraceptive vaccine.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D007114:Immunization; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007527:Isoenzymes; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D011247:Pregnancy; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology; D014599:Uterus / Q000276:immunology*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase