Intraperitoneal administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-PE40 induces castration in male rats.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term effects of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH)-based vaccine on levels of GnRH antibody and testosterone, and vaccine-induced immunocastration on sexual behavior of male rats.


METHODS
The rats were treated with GnRH-PE40 intraperitoneally every other day for 12 wk. GnRH antibody and testosterone level in rat blood were determined by ELISA and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Morphological changes in testes and sexual behavior of rats were evaluated.


RESULTS
GnRH-PE40 induced a high production in GnRH antibody, decreased the serum testosterone level, testis atrophy and sexual function in rats.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraperitoneal administration of GnRHPE40 produces structural and functional castration of male rat reproductive system by inducing anti-GnRH antibody.
Yu
Li
L
Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China. doctoryuli@yahoo.com.cn
Zhang
Zhong-Fang
ZF
Jing
Chun-Xia
CX
Wu
Feng-Lin
FL
D000818:Animals; D002369:Castration; D005098:Exotoxins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000737:chemistry*; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005098:Exotoxins; C120463:L-GnRH-PE40; D010455:Peptides; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone