Impairment of follicular development by intra-ovarian infusion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antiserum in prepubertal pigs

Abstract

Summary. Antiserum against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was infused into one ovary in 4 prepubertal gilts and control porcine serum was infused into one ovary in 4 other gilts. Ovaries were infused for 156 h, after which infused and non\x=req-\ infused ovaries were removed surgically and processed for histology. Infusion of GnRH antibodies did not alter (P > 0\m=.\10) concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or oestradiol-17\g=b\, and GnRH titres in peripheral circulation were low, averaging 1:15. Weights of ovaries not infused were similar (P > 0\m=.\10) between treatment groups. There were fewer (P < 0\m=.\05) follicles >0\m=.\5mm in diameter in the ovaries infused with GnRH antiserum than in the others, but there were no differences (P > 0\m=.\10) between treatment groups in the number of follicles < 0\m=.\5 mmin diameter. Infusion of GnRH antibodies increased (P < 0\m=.\05) the incidence of atresia in follicles with > 4 layers of granulosa cells compared with the other treatment groups. These results provide evidence that a peptide binding to the GnRH antibodies is involved directly in ovarian follicular development.

Review of contraception in ungulate species

“…Immunization against GnRH, a central hormone in mammalian reproduction, prevents pregnancy in several ungulate species. Immunization against GnRH causes cessation of ovulation and follicular development in females, and has been successful in a range of domestic ungulates, such as ewes [Clarke et al, 1979], sows (Esbenshade and Britt, 1985;Patton et al, 1991), heifers [Johnson et al, 1988], and mares [Garza et al, 1986]. Natural reversal occurs in the majority of immunized animals after a decline in antibody titers [Keeling and Crighton, 1984].…”

Effect of active immunization against GnRH‐I on the reproductive function in cat

“…), and decrease the weight of the uterine and the ovary (Patton et al . ), which indicates that active immunization against GnRH‐I inhibits the secretion of gonadotropins and sex hormones and the growth and development of reproductive organs. In short, active immunization against GnRH‐I uses the animals’ own immune system to suppress GnRH‐I and therefore turns off the stimulus to the gonads, contributing to the inhibition of gonadal function.…”

“…Many studies suggest that active immunization against GnRH‐I or GnRH‐I‐like peptide vaccine could reduce the concentrations of LH and FSH in the peripheral blood of immunized animals (Patton et al . ; Brown et al . ; Clarke et al .…”

Manipulating the onset of lambing season in communal ewes through hormonal intervention

“…From domesticated and wildlife perspectives, several studies have shown the efficacy and safety of specific contraceptives and the potential for improving animal welfare by controlling reproduction selectively (Turner & Kirkpatrick, 2002). Contraception can take many forms and methods that have been documented that include surgical sterilization (Jöchle et al, 1973;DeMatteo et al, 2005), mechanical methods (Nie et al, 2003;Turin et al, 1997;Fordyce et al, 2001;Matschke, 1976;Daels & Hughes, 1995), steroid hormones (Denicola et al, 1997;Jacobson et al, 1995;Burns et al, 1993;Patton et al, 2007;Chang, 1985;Patton et al, 2005;Zimbelman et al, 1970;Raphael et al, 1992), protein hormones (Maclellan et al, 1997;D'Occhio et al, 2002;McNeilly & Fraser, 1987;Brussow et al, 1996), and immunocontraception (Paterson & Aitken, 1990;Kirkpatrick et al, 1996;Frank & Kirkpatrick, 2002;Frank et al, 2005;Dunbar et al, 2001;Munson, 2002;Clarke et al, 1979;Esbenshade & Brit, 1985;Patton et al, 1991;Johnson et al, 1988;Garza et al, 1986;Keeling & Crighton, 1984).…”