POPLINE Document Number: 120506
Author(s):
Kaul R
Afzalpurkar A
Gupta SK
Source citation:
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 1996;50:127-34.
Abstract:
Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy, in mice, of synthetic peptides derived from zona pellucida (ZP) glycoprotein in blocking fertility without ovarian dysfunction. This study used bonnet monkeys (closely related to humans in the primate evolutionary tree and less susceptible to summer amenorrhea than rhesus monkeys) to explore the design of an immunocontraceptive vaccine based on synthetic peptides, recombinant glycoproteins, or proteins corresponding to ZP. Immunization of female monkeys with pig ZP3 glycoprotein using adjuvants permissible for human use produced infertility. Although only half the animals conceived after antibody titres declined, monkeys that failed to conceive did not show any obvious ovarian changes. Mapping of the epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies against ZP3 alpha and beta and possessing contraceptive efficacy in vitro identified an N-blocked decapeptide from the N-terminus corresponding to 23-32 amino acids of the precursor protein of pig ZP3 beta. When DNA encoding bonnet monkey ZP3 was cloned and sequenced, the deduced primary amino acid sequence showed a 93.9% similarity with human ZP3. Bonnet monkey ZP3 corresponding to an internal 975 nucleotide fragment excluding the N-terminus signal sequence and the C-terminus transmembrane domain has been expressed in Escherichia coli.
Keywords:
Research ReportIndex page
Contraception Research
Animals, Laboratory
Contraceptive Vaccines
Antibodies
Antigens
Ovarian Effects
Contraception
Family Planning
Clinical Research
Research Methodology
Contraception, Immunological
Immunologic Factors
Immunity
Immune System
Physiology
Biology
Ovary
Genitalia, Female
Genitalia
Urogenital System