Effect of human ZP3 monoclonal antibody on expression of GDF-9 and number of theca cells in ovary of mice ( Mus musculus )

Abstract

Objectives This study investigated the effects of a human ZP3 monoclonal antibody (mAb h ZP3) on the expression of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) and number of theca cells in the ovaries of mice ( Mus musculus ). Methods Our study employed a true experiment posttest-only control group design of 48 mice that were divided into the control and three mAb h ZP3-treatment groups (20, 40, and 60 μg). Mice in each group were terminated on days 10, 15, and 20. GDF-9 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry and the number of theca cells was counted. Results Analysis of the effects of mAb h ZP3 (at 20–60 μg) on the expression of GDF-9 and amount of theca cells did not show significant differences. Similar findings were observed throughout the study period (at 10–20 days). Therefore, mAb h ZP3 had no effect on GDF-9 expression and theca cells. Conclusion This study showed that mAb h ZP3 can be considered to be an effective and safe immunocontraception.