Abstract
A GnRH-neutralising vaccine, with potential applications in the treatment of human sex hormone-dependent disorders, was developed by conjugating GnRH-glycys to tetanus toxoid. An evaluation of adjuvant, dose and carrier pre-sensitisation was made. Male rats immunised with the conjugate, adsorbed onto alum, showed higher anti-GnRH antibody levels and suppressed testosterone concentrations, compared with animals immunised without adjuvant. Conjugate administration in a four injection regime proved to be the most effective in disrupting fertility, as assessed by the degree of lowered testosterone levels and gonadal atrophy. Pre-sensitisation with tetanus toxoid had an initial marked effect on immunisation, observed following 2 drug doses; the pre-sensitised animals showed a lower antibody response to the conjugate than did the non-primed animals. However, as the number of drug doses increased to 4, there was no significant difference between the primed and non-primed animals.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 179-195 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Drug Design and Discovery |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 31 Dec 1996 |
Keywords
- adjuvants
- contraceptive agent
- gonadorelin derivative
- testosterone
- tetanus toxoid
- vaccine