Title: Endocrinological hazards associated with human immunization with self or self-like antigens.

POPLINE Document Number: 075895

Author(s):

Chard T
Howell RJ

Source citation:

In: Vaccines for fertility regulation: the assessment of their safety and efficacy. Proceedings of a Symposium on Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of Vaccines to Regulate Fertility, convened by the WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Geneva, June 1989, edited by G.L. Ada, P.D. Griffin. Cambridge, England, Cambridge University Press, 1991. :95-120. (Scientific Basis of Fertility Regulation)

Abstract:

An approach to potential endocrine hazards resulting from immunization with antigens of human origin, as may be used in an antifertility vaccine, is reviewed. Potential disorders of pituitary-gonadal function can be classed as complete failure of the system resulting in a menopausal state, disorders due to excess of luteinizing hormone (LH) like the Stein-Levinthal syndrome (anovulation, polycystic ovary), and disorders due to excess follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) as seen in the perimenopausal syndrome (endometrial hyperplasia, bleeding). First the antigens associated with the conceptus or placenta are listed. Then the effects of antibody attack on all the hormones involved in reproduction are considered. Antibodies against GnRH would result in failure of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system. Immunization against LH is known to reduce fertility but not affect ovulation. Immunization against FSH theoretically would result in anovulation and polycystic ovary. Antibodies against gonadal steroids produce a paradoxical increase in steroid levels, although they are bound to antibodies and not biologically active. Animal studies showed unpredictable effects, and no human studies are available. antibodies against zona pellucida result in failure of sperm penetration and growth of the follicle. Immunization against spermatozoa is common, causes infertility due to blocking of binding of sperm to the zona pellucida, but not morbidity in humans. The discussion ends with a scheme for monitoring women immunized with hCG vaccine for adverse immunologic effects to the reproductive system.

Keywords:

Literature Review
Recommendations
Gonadotropins, Chorionic
Immunological Effects
Immunoglobulin Alterations
Immunity, Active
Antibodies
Antibody Formation
Antigen-Antibody Reactions
Genital Effects, Female
Ovarian Effects
Anovulation
Endometrial Effects
Spermatozoa
Ovarian Cysts
Examinations and Diagnoses
Vaccines
Luteinizing Hormone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Estradiol
Progesterone
Testosterone
Side Effects
Gonadotropins
Hormones
Endocrine System
Physiology
Biology
Immunity
Immune System
Hematological Effects
Hemic System
Immunologic Factors
Genitalia, Female
Genitalia
Urogenital System
Ovary
Endometrium
Uterus
Germ Cells
Diseases
Gonadotropins, Pituitary
Estrogens
Progestational Hormones
Androgens
Treatment