The single-shot GnRH immunocontraceptive vaccine (GonaCon) in white-tailed deer: comparison of several GnRH preparations.
OBJECTIVE
An effective, single-injection, multi-year, GnRH contraceptive agent is needed to control reproduction in overabundant white-tailed deer populations.


METHODS
Two GnRH conjugates, GonaCon (GnRH-KLH) and GonaCon-B (GnRH-blue protein), were prepared in emulsion form as one-injection and two-injection immunocontraceptive vaccine formulations. In addition, the GnRH-KLH protein conjugate was lyophilized and suspended in AdjuVac adjuvant to produce a fifth vaccine formulation. Each formulation was administered to a group of five captive adult female white-tailed deer. Reproductive performance of treated female deer was monitored for 5 years to determine the comparative efficacy of the various treatments.


RESULTS
The longevity of the contraceptive response (2-5 years) was strongly influenced by the design of the conjugate antigen, the adjuvant used, and the delivery form of the vaccine.


CONCLUSIONS
One-injection and two-injection formulations of GonaCon and GonaCon-B produced multi-year contraception in adult female white-tailed deer. GonaCon-B provided a longer lasting contraceptive effect.
Miller
Lowell A
LA
USDA/Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, CO 80521, USA. lowell.a.miller@aphis.usda.gov
Gionfriddo
James P
JP
Fagerstone
Kathleen A
KA
Rhyan
Jack C
JC
Killian
Gary J
GJ
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D003269:Contraception, Immunologic; D003670:Deer / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D006433:Hemocyanins / Q000276:immunology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D022642:Vaccines, Contraceptive / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000906:Antibodies; D022642:Vaccines, Contraceptive; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D011374:Progesterone; D006433:Hemocyanins; C032808:keyhole-limpet hemocyanin