Immunization of male bonnet monkeys (M. radiata) with a recombinant FSH receptor preparation affects testicular function and fertility.
Immunization of proven fertile adult male monkeys (n=3) with a recombinant FSH receptor protein preparation (oFSHR-P) (representing amino acids 1-134 of the extracellular domain of the receptor Mr approximately 15KDa) resulted in production of receptor blocking antibodies. The ability of the antibody to bind a particulate FSH receptor preparation and receptors in intact granulosa cells was markedly (by 30-80%) inhibited by FSH. Serum T levels and LH receptor function following immunization remained unchanged. The immunized monkeys showed a 50% reduction (p<0.001) in transformation of spermatogonia(2C) to primary spermatocytes (4C) as determined by flow cytometry and the 4C:2C ratio showed a correlative change (R 0.81, p<0.0007) with reduction in fertility index (sperm counts X motility score). Breeding studies indicated that monkeys became infertile between 242-368 days of immunization when the fertility index was in the range of 123+/-76 to 354+/-42 (compared to a value of 1602+/-384 on day 0). As the effects observed are near identical to that seen following immunization with FSH it is suggestive that oFSHR-P can substitute for FSH in the development of a contraceptive vaccine.
Moudgal
N R
NR
Center for Reproductive Biology and Molecular Endocrinology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Sairam
M R
MR
Krishnamurthy
H N
HN
Sridhar
S
S
Krishnamurthy
H
H
Khan
H
H
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000166:cytology; D007114:Immunization; D008255:Macaca radiata; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011962:Receptors, FSH / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000502:physiology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D011962:Receptors, FSH; D011974:Receptors, LH; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013739:Testosterone