Immunological castration using a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone analogue conjugated to PPD

Abstract
The importance of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone/luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH) to reproductive function is illustrated when animals immunized with GnRH produce a high humoral immune response which can achieve a humane alternative to surgical castration. In this paper, the male rat was used as a model. Rats were immunized with an analogue of GnRH—GnRH‐glycys‐in both its free form and conjugated to the carrier PPD. Pre‐immunization priming with BCG was compared with non‐BCG priming. The results showed that BCG priming, in the absence of adjuvant, allowed a sufficient reduction in testosterone levels to occur without severely affecting gonadal changes. Immunization in conjunction with adjuvant resulted in high antibody titres, a decrease in testosterone levels, gonadal atrophy and a reduction in spermatogenesis. Alteration of the dose levels of the analogue and the long‐term effects of immunization on gondal function were also investigated.

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