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Gong X, Yan X, Li M, Di M, Lu J, Xu S, Pan Z, Zhu Y, Wu Z, Zhang W, Qin P, Liu Y, Li Y, Fang F. Active immunization with recombinant GnRH6-CRM197 inhibits reproductive function of male rats. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:131-138. [PMID: 38833557 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2350372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccines have been successfully used for the inhibition of gonadal development and function, but current GnRH-based vaccines often present variability in the response. Cross-reactive material 197 (CRM197) has been used as carrier molecules to enhance an immune response to associated antigens. So, the synthetic mammalian tandem-repeated GnRH hexamer (GnRH6) gene was integrated into the expression plasmid pET-21a. Recombinant GnRH6-CRM197 protein was subsequently overexpressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21 and purified through Nickel column affinity chromatography and the antigenicity and biological effects of GnRH6-CRM197 were evaluated in rats. Sixteen 4-month-old adult male rats were randomly divided into two groups: the GnRH6-CRM197 group (n = 8) and the control group (n = 8). The GnRH6-CRM197 group rats were subcutaneously immunized with 100 μg of GnRH6-CRM197, administered thrice at 2-week intervals with GnRH6-CRM197.The control group received only a white oil adjuvant. Following the initial immunization, the weights of animals were recorded, and blood samples were collected from the orbital sinus at 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, and 7 months. Serum antibody titers and testosterone concentrations were quantified using ELISA and CLIA, respectively. Additionally, testicular tissues were collected for morphological examination. The results revealed a significant increase in serum GnRH antibody titers (p < 0.05), but a significant decrease in serum testosterone concentrations (p < 0.05), and the weight, length, width, and girth of the testis, and the number of spermatogonia cells, spermatocytes, and sperm cells in the immunized rats. Furthermore, seminiferous tubules revealed significant atrophy and no sperm were observed in the immunized animals. Thus, GnRH6-CRM197 may be an effective antigen and a potential immunocastration vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- XinBao Gong
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xu Yan
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - MengXian Li
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - MoYan Di
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - JunTai Lu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - ShuangShuang Xu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - ZhiHao Pan
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - YanYun Zhu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - ZhuoYa Wu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Qin
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - YunSheng Li
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - FuGui Fang
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Ding Y, Jiang X, Sun L, Sha Y, Xu Z, Sohail A, Liu G. Multiple-Pathway Synergy Alters Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis in Response to an Immunocastration Vaccine in Goat. Cells 2023; 13:6. [PMID: 38201210 PMCID: PMC10778245 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal reproduction performance is crucial in husbandry. Immunocastrated animals serve as an ideal animal model for studying testicular function. During androgen suppression, the testis undergoes dramatic developmental and structural changes, including the inhibition of hormone secretion and spermatogenesis. METHODS To characterize this process, we investigated the effects of castration using a recombinant B2L and KISS1 DNA vaccine, and then identified functional genes in the testes of Yiling goats using RNA-seq and WGS. The experimental animals were divided into three groups: the PVAX-asd group (control), PBK-asd-immunized group, and surgically castrated group. RESULTS The results demonstrated that the administration of the recombinant PBK-asd vaccine in goats elicited a significant antibody response, and reduced serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), resulting in smaller scrotal circumferences and decreased sexual desire compared to the control group. In addition, RNA transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the testes revealed that the biological processes after immunocastration mainly focused on the regulation of cell matrix adhesion, histone acetylation, negative regulation of developmental processes, apoptosis, and activation of the complement system and the thrombin cascade reaction system. Then, we integrated the whole-genome sequencing and testis transcriptome, and identified several candidate genes (FGF9, FST, KIT, TH, TCP1, PLEKHA1, TMEM119, ESR1, TIPARP, LEP) that influence steroidogenesis secretion and spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Multiple pathways and polygenic co-expression participate in the response to castration vaccines, altering hormone secretion and spermatogenesis. Taken together, our atlas of the immunocastration goat testis provides multiple insights into the developmental changes and key factors accompanying androgen suppression, and thus may contribute to understanding the genetic mechanism of testis function. Joint analysis of whole genome sequencing and RNA-seq enables reliable screening of candidate genes, benefiting future genome-assisted breeding of goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xunping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yiyu Sha
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ahmed Sohail
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guiqiong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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3
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New trends in immunocastration and its potential to improve animal welfare: a mini review. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:369. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03348-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Han X, Xia X, Zhuo Y, Hua L, Yu G, Bu G, Cao X, Du X, Liang Q, Zeng X, Meng F. RNA-seq coupling two different methods of castration reveals new insights into androgen deficiency-caused degeneration of submaxillary gland in male Sprague Dawley rats. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:279. [PMID: 35392803 PMCID: PMC8991617 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08521-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Salivary gland (SMG) degeneration and dysfunction are common symptoms that occur after sex hormone deprivation, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Additionally, immunocastration, which causes drop of sex hormones, has been developed as an alternative to surgical castration, however whether it exerts similar effects as surgical castration on the salivary glands is unknown. Through histological and RNA-seq analysis, we assessed changes in morphology and transcriptome of SMG in response to immunocastration (IM) versus surgical castration (bilateral orchiectomy, ORC). Results Compared to entire males (EM), ORC caused severe degeneration of SMG in rats, as evidenced by both decreased (P < 0.01) SMG weight and organ index, and by decreased (P < 0.01) quantity of SMG acini and ducts. IM had minimal effects (P > 0.05) on SMG weight and organ index, but it still caused degeneration (P < 0.05) of the acini and ducts. Even though, the quantity of both SMG acini and ducts was much higher (P < 0.001) in IM than in ORC. Functional enrichment analysis of the common regulated genes by ORC/IM revealed disrupted epithelial cell development, angiogenesis, anatomical structure morphogenesis and enhanced cell death are associated with SMG degeneration in deprivation of androgens. Integrated data analysis shown that there existed a selective hyperfunction of SMG ribosome and mitochondrion in ORC but not in IM, which might be associated with more severe degeneration of SMG in ORC than in IM. Conclusions Our findings suggested that both surgical castration and immunocastration caused SMG degeneration by disrupting epithelial cell development, angiogenesis, anatomical structure morphogenesis and enhancing cell death. But, surgical castration selectively induced hyperfunction of SMG ribosome and mitochondrion, thus causing more severe degeneration of SMG than immunocastration. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08521-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfa Han
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China.
| | - Xue Xia
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Lun Hua
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guozhi Yu
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Guixian Bu
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - XiaoGang Du
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Qiuxia Liang
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China.
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5
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Ahmed S, Dongdong B, Jiayu Z, Liu G, Ding Y, Jiang X, Teketay W, Jing H. Immunocastration with gene vaccine (KISS1) induces a cell-mediated immune response in ram testis: A transcriptome evaluation. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:653-664. [PMID: 35247007 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Immunocastration vaccines achieve their effects through neutralization of the endogenous hormone by the humoral antibody produced against the immunized genes. But there is little information regarding cell-mediated immune response on the gonadal function of the immunized model is available. In this study, we used ram as a model animal to identify the cellular immune response in testicular tissues of rams immunized with intranasal KISS1 gene vaccine. The immune castration model was evaluated by sexual behaviors, spermatogenesis, and serum hormone profiles after the KISS1 gene immunization. Transcriptome analysis of testicular tissues was carried out to identify the expressions of protein-coding genes involved in cellular immunity. The results showed that we successfully constructed the KISS1 immune castration ram model, in which testicular growth and development, testosterone and kisspeptin-54 levels, and sexual function were suppressed in immunized rams (P <0.05). Using HiseqTM 2000 high sequencing for ram testicular, we identified 21 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cellular immunity, of which, 14 genes were up-regulated and seven genes were down-regulated in the testis of the immunized group (P<0.05). The Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment showed that these differentially expressed genes were enriched in the antigen presentation process mediated by MHC class I and the cytotoxic pathway mediated by natural killer cells. It is concluded that KISS1 gene vaccine induced the cell-mediated immune response in testicular tissue to suppress reproductive activities in rams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohail Ahmed
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Dongdong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Jiayu
- Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Guiqiong Liu
- Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Ding
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xunping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Wassie Teketay
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Haijing Jing
- Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
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Rocha LF, Santana ALA, Souza RS, Machado-Neves M, Oliveira Filho JC, Santos ESCD, Araujo MLD, Cruz TBD, Barbosa LP. Testicular morphometry as a tool to evaluate the efficiency of immunocastration in lambs. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210041. [PMID: 35712444 PMCID: PMC9169990 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of immunocastration in lambs using testicular morphometry. Thirty lambs were randomly divided into two treatments (subcutaneous administration of 1.0 mL and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine) and a control group (1.0 mL saline solution). The animals were vaccinated at four months of age, received a second dose 30 days later, and were slaughtered 90 days after the first vaccine dose. After slaughter, testicles were collected, and samples were removed for histological processing and evaluation of testicular morphometric parameters. Analysis of variance, Tukey’s test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were performed, with a 5% level of significance. There was a reduction in testicular weight, gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, leydigosomatic index, and total tubule length. The total length per testicular gram increased in the immunocastrated group. Intrinsic spermatogenesis yield, Sertoli cell indices, and estimates of sperm and Sertoli cell production were reduced in the immunized groups (P < 0.05). The anti-GnRH vaccine in lambs at doses of 1.0 mL and 0.5 mL is sufficient to promote immunocastration, verified through severe changes in testicular morphometry from animals.
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7
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Rocha LF, Souza RS, Santana ALA, Macedo DS, Santana AMS, da Silva RC, Bezerra PA, de Jesus RDL, Barbosa LP. Reproductive parameters of lambs immunocastrated with anti-GnRH vaccine. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20200237. [PMID: 34221143 PMCID: PMC8241210 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the testicular biometric, seminal, and plasma testosterone levels in lambs subjected to an anti-GnRH vaccine as a method of castration. Thirty entire, crossbred Santa Inês male lambs were randomly distributed into three treatment (T): T1 was the control group, with the administration of 1 mL of saline solution subcutaneously (SC); 1.0 and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine were administered SC in T2 and T3, respectively. Testicular biometric variables, physical and morphological variables of semen, and plasma testosterone concentrations were evaluated. At D60, there was a reduction in testicular length, width, thickness, and scrotal circumference of the immunocastrated animals regardless of the vaccine dose used (P < 0.05). A reduction in semen physical variables at both dosages (P < 0.05) was observed, with azoospermia, in 80% and 70% of animals in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively. At D60, the immunocastrated animals also showed an increase in spermatozoa defects (P < 0.05), whereas plasma testosterone concentration decreased (P < 0.05). Immunocastration of lambs using the Bopriva vaccine at doses of 1.0 and 0.5 mL is efficient in inducing azoospermia in up to 80% of animals, although two doses in a 30-day interval are necessary for it to be an effective and safe method. Efficacy was demonstrated through a reduction in serum testosterone levels, testicular biometry, and seminal fluid analysis. Considering the efficacy of both doses in this study, we recommend using the lower dose (0.5 mL), which will allow for a 50% reduction in vaccine costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiara Fernandes Rocha
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil
| | - Rosileia Silva Souza
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil
| | - Ana Lúcia Almeida Santana
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil
| | - Diego Silva Macedo
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil
| | - Ariadne Marques Silva Santana
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil
| | - Roberta Carvalho da Silva
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil
| | - Poliana Almeida Bezerra
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil
| | - Ronival Dias Lima de Jesus
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil
| | - Larissa Pires Barbosa
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brasil
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Wassie T, Fanmei Z, Jiang X, Liu G, Girmay S, Min Z, Chenhui L, Bo DD, Ahmed S. Recombinant B2L and Kisspeptin-54 DNA Vaccine Induces Immunity Against Orf Virus and Inhibits Spermatogenesis In Rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16262. [PMID: 31700161 PMCID: PMC6838309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Orf is a highly contagious zoonotic disease of small ruminants caused by Parapoxvirus. Kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene with its cognate receptor GPR-54 is recognized as an upstream orchestrator in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study was designed to construct a DNA vaccine that produces a fused peptide composed of a major immunodominant protein of the orf virus (B2L) and kisspeptin-54, a neuropeptide with recognized roles in mammalian reproductive biology. The administration of this recombinant vaccine is shown to produce a significant antibody and cell-mediated immune response directed against B2L compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that rats inoculated with PBK-asd vaccine up-regulated antigen-mediated splenocyte proliferation and significantly raised antigen-specific tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα-), interferon-gamma (IFN-ϒ) and interleukin (IL-2) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This recombinant vaccine also stimulated antibody responses to kisspeptin and decreased serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels. Moreover, the current recombinant vaccine caused testicular atrophy and arrested spermatogenesis. It is concluded that this recombinant B2L and Kisspeptin-54 vaccine could be a promising approach for construction of bivalent orf virus and immunocastration vaccine. Furthermore, we concluded that the orf virus envelope protein (B2L) could be used as an immunomodulator for kisspeptin-54 to produce a strong antibody response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teketay Wassie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng Fanmei
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xunping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China. .,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guiqiong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shishay Girmay
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Min
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Chenhui
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Dong Bo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Sohail Ahmed
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
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9
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Wassie T, Liu G, Jiang X, Tesema B, Han Y, Zhao J, Girmay S, Ahmad HI. Immunization against Kisspeptin-54 perturb hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular signaling pathway in ram lambs. Theriogenology 2019; 125:193-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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10
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Fan S, Zhao Y, Pan Z, Gao Z, Liang Z, Pan Z, Feng W. ZNF185-derived peptide induces fertility suppression in mice. J Pept Sci 2018; 24:e3121. [PMID: 30270484 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Zinc finger protein 185 (ZNF185) belongs to the ZNF family and is involved in male reproduction. However, it is unclear whether ZNF185 may be a target candidate for contraceptive vaccines. In this study, antigenic peptides derived from ZNF185 were prepared, and their immune contraceptive effects were investigated using mice. Results from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs) showed that peptide immunization induced an antibody titre increase that reached a peak in week 12. Peptide-3 and peptide-4 were then chosen for subsequent experiments. The results of the fertility assays showed that peptide immunization inhibited the mating and fertility rates of the mice, whereas there were no obvious changes in the number of pups per litter. Subsequently, epididymal sperm was analysed. The results demonstrated that the sperm count and sperm motility were significantly decreased in the peptide group, while the amount of abnormal sperm was significantly increased in the peptide-3 group. The male reproductive organs were also evaluated. There were no obvious differences in testis or epididymal weights, in the diameters of the seminiferous tubules, or in the thicknesses of the seminiferous epithelium between the peptide group and the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group. In addition, histological analysis indicated that there were no obvious pathologic changes in testis and epididymal histology in the peptide group; however, the number of spermatozoa present in the epididymal lumen of the peptide group was significantly decreased when compared with the PBS group. Our study demonstrates for the first time that peptides derived from ZNF185 may induce fertility suppression in mice without damaging reproductive organs. These peptides have the potential to be used as a male contraceptive vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutong Fan
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yuhan Zhao
- College of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhiwei Pan
- Laizhou Development Zone Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zumu Liang
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhifang Pan
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Weiguo Feng
- College of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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11
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Immunocastration of goats using anti-gonadotrophin releasing hormone vaccine. Theriogenology 2018; 114:7-13. [PMID: 29574307 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the immuno-sterilizing action of anti-gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (anti-GnRH) vaccine in goats. Eighteen male goats were randomly distributed to receive three treatments: T1 (control) - whole animals, and T2 and T3 - application of 0.5 and 1.0 mL of anti-GnRH vaccine, respectively, with six replicates and one goat per experimental unit. Vaccine was administered at 8 months of age and 30 days after the first immunization. Testicular biometry was evaluated monthly, along with seminal collections, for the physical and morphological evaluation of semen. At the time of slaughter, the testicle were collected, and fragments were measured and removed for histological evaluation. The data were evaluated for normality by the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by appropriate statistical tests for each variable. A reduction in width and length of the right and left testicles was observed and, consequently, the scrotal circumference of the immunized animals reduced after the second vaccine application (P < 0.05). Thirty-days after the first vaccine application, there was a negative effect on seminal production and quality; and 60 days after the second application, a pronounced reduction was observed in all seminal parameters in the vaccinated animals, including azoospermia (83.33% of animals; P < 0.05). Vaccine application reduced testicular weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, and gonadosomatic and tubulosomatic index (P < 0.05), but did not influence the proportion of testicular parenchyma components (P > 0.05). Two applications of the anti-GnRH conjugate are effective for the immunological castration of goats, and the 0.5 mL dose is recommended for use in crossbred goats.
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Yao Z, Si W, Tian W, Ye J, Zhu R, Li X, Ji S, Zheng Q, Liu Y, Fang F. Effect of active immunization using a novel GnRH vaccine on reproductive function in rats. Theriogenology 2018; 111:1-8. [PMID: 29407422 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone 2-multiple antigen peptide (GnRH2-MAP) on reproductive function. In our study, 20-day-old male rats (n = 90) were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: GnRH2-MAP immunization, GnRH2 immunization, and non-immunized control groups. The immunized animals were administered three doses of GnRH2-MAP or GnRH2 vaccines from 0 to 6 weeks at 2-week intervals. The control group only received oil adjuvant. Blood and right testis samples were collected, and the left testis was weighed and its volume was measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after the first immunization. The serum antibody titer and testosterone concentration were determined by ELISA, and the right testis samples were collected for histological analysis. The results revealed that the serum of vaccinated rats elicited a significantly higher antibody titer and a lower T concentration compared with the control group two weeks after the first immunization (P < 0.05), but the highest antibody titer and lowest T concentration were found in animals treated with GnRH2-MAP (P < 0.05). The second immunization resulted in a significant decrease in testicular weight and volume (P < 0.05) in both immunized groups compared to the control, but these values were significantly lower in the GnRH2-MAP group than in the GnRH2 group. Furthermore, seminiferous tubules revealed more significant atrophy in the GnRH2-MAP group than in the GnRH2 group, and no sperm were observed in rats of the GnRH2-MAP group. Thus, GnRH2-MAP may be an effective antigen and a potential immunocastration vaccine with higher effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiu Yao
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding in Local Livestock and Poultry, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Wenyu Si
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding in Local Livestock and Poultry, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Weiguo Tian
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding in Local Livestock and Poultry, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding in Local Livestock and Poultry, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Rongfei Zhu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding in Local Livestock and Poultry, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Xiumei Li
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding in Local Livestock and Poultry, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Shichun Ji
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding in Local Livestock and Poultry, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Qianqian Zheng
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding in Local Livestock and Poultry, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Fugui Fang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding in Local Livestock and Poultry, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China.
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13
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Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone vaccination on T lymphocyte changes in male rats. J Reprod Immunol 2017; 120:1-7. [PMID: 28196761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to detect the effect of immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on cell-meditated immunity. Three-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=32) were randomly and equally assigned to two groups: 1) GnRH-tandem-ovalbumin immunized group; and 2) the control group (injected with an equivalent Al(OH)3 adjuvant). Blood samples were collected at two-week intervals to assess the level of GnRH-specific antibodies and testosterone. Moreover, blood and thymus samples were also collected to analyze the T lymphocyte subpopulations one and two months after the last booster immunization. T lymphocyte immunity against GnRH was activated during the first month post-immunization as exhibited by increased numbers of CD3+ (P<0.05) and CD4+ (P<0.05)T lymphocytes following testosterone suppression (P<0.01), which was then restored and maintained at appropriate levels in the second month. In contrast, the differentiation of T lymphocytes in the thymus was reduced during the first month after immunization as exhibited by the significant decreased number of CD3+ (P<0.05) cells, followed by the restoration and heightened numbers at later time points for both the number of CD3+ (P<0.05) and CD4+ (P<0.01)T lymphocytes. These results suggest that immunization against GnRH interferes with the number of lymphocytes during the early time points following immunization. The number of T lymphocytes initially decreased in the peripheral blood following immunization, but was replenished by newly exported cells from the thymus which eventually restored the T lymphocytes to normal levels.
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Han XF, Li JL, Zhou YQ, Ren XH, Liu GC, Cao XH, Du XG, Zeng XY. Active immunization with GnRH-tandem-dimer peptide in young male rats reduces serum reproductive hormone concentrations, testicular development and spermatogenesis. Asian J Androl 2017. [PMID: 26208395 PMCID: PMC4854110 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.156856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
GnRH sterilization vaccines have been developed for various practical and clinical reasons. However, conjugation of GnRH peptide to carrier protein has many drawbacks, hampering the further commercialization of GnRH vaccines. In this study, a new nonconjugated GnRH vaccine, D-Lys6-GnRH-tandem-dimer peptide (TDK), emulsified in Specol adjuvant was investigated for its immunocastration efficacy in young male rats. Prepubertal male rats were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 12): control (no treatment), surgically castrated or immunized against 100 μg TDK in Specol adjuvant at 6 weeks of age (with a booster 8 weeks later). Blood samples (for antibody titers and hormone concentrations) were collected at 2-week intervals until rats were killed (18 weeks of age). Compared to intact controls, active immunization against TDK reduced (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of testosterone, inhibin B, LH and FSH, prevented the onset of spermatogenesis at puberty. Furthermore, mRNA expressions of GnRH receptor, LH-β and FSH-β in the pituitary, LH receptor, FSH receptor, inhibin α, βA and βB subunit in the testes were decreased in immunocastrated rats compared to intact controls (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate for the first time that GnRH-tandem-dimer peptide emulsified in Specol is a promising veterinary sterilization medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xian-Yin Zeng
- Isotope Research Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Laboratory, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, People's Republic of China
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15
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Minhas V, Shrestha A, Wadhwa N, Singh R, Gupta SK. Novel Sperm and Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone-based Recombinant Fusion Protein: Achievement of 100% Contraceptive Efficacy by Co-immunization of Male and Female Mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:1048-1059. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vidisha Minhas
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi India
- Lab of Molecular Reproduction, Department of Zoology; Delhi University; New Delhi India
| | - Abhinav Shrestha
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi India
| | - Neerja Wadhwa
- Embryo Biotechnology Lab; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi India
| | - Rita Singh
- Lab of Molecular Reproduction, Department of Zoology; Delhi University; New Delhi India
| | - Satish Kumar Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi India
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Physiological interactions between the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and spleen in rams actively immunized against GnRH. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 38:275-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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17
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Han X, Li J, Cao X, Du X, Meng F, Zeng X. Surgical castration but not immuncastration is associated with reduced hypothalamic GnIH and GHRH/GH/IGF-I axis function in male rats. Theriogenology 2016; 86:657-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Revised: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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18
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Arukha AP, Minhas V, Shrestha A, Gupta SK. Contraceptive efficacy of recombinant fusion protein comprising zona pellucida glycoprotein-3 fragment and gonadotropin releasing hormone. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 114:18-26. [PMID: 26859695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Contraceptive vaccines have been used for the management of wildlife population. In the present study, we have examined the contraceptive potential of Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant fusion protein comprising of 'promiscuous' T cell epitope of tetanus toxoid [TT; amino acid (aa) residues 830-844] followed by dilysine linker (KK), dog ZP3 fragment (aa residues 307-346), triglycine spacer (GGG), T cell epitope of bovine RNase (bRNase; aa residues 94-104), GnRH, T cell epitope of circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum (CSP; aa residues 362-383), and GnRH. SDS-PAGE analysis of the purified refolded protein revealed a dominant ∼12 kDa band, which in Western blot reacted with mouse polyclonal antibodies against dog ZP3 fragment and mouse monoclonal antibodies against GnRH. Immunization of female FvB/J mice following two booster schedule with the above recombinant protein supplemented with alum led to high antibody titres against the immunogen as well as ZP3 and GnRH as determined by ELISA. The immune sera reacted with zona pellucida of mouse oocyte and also inhibited in-vitro fertilization. The qRT-PCR studies showed decrease in the ovarian GnRH receptor in mice immunized with the recombinant fusion protein. Mating studies revealed high contraceptive efficacy of the recombinant protein as in two independent experiments, 90% of the immunized female mice failed to conceive. Following one booster immunization schedule, 50% of the immunized female mice failed to conceive. However, in adjuvanted controls, all the female mice became pregnant. To conclude, the recombinant protein described herein has a good potential to be developed as candidate contraceptive vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananta Prasad Arukha
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab., National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Vidisha Minhas
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab., National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Abhinav Shrestha
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab., National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Satish Kumar Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab., National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India.
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