Abstract
BackgroundsThe development of a canine-specific method of immunocontraception is one of the non-invasive controlling strategies for humanely decreasing the dog population. This study was aimed to investigate the potential of whole sperm in stimulating the immune system and producing specific anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) in female dogs. Mature, mixed-breed bitches were subcutaneously immunized with high (200 × 106 cells/mL) and low (100 × 106 cells/mL) doses of sperm vaccine, emulsified with Freund’s adjuvants. Booster immunizations were given at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6, and serum samples were collected at days 0, 14, 28, 42, 63, and 84 prior to each immunization. Reproductive tract samples, including vaginal and uterine lavages, were also collected by flushing each section with sterile PBS at the end of the experiment. Canine anti-sperm antibody titer and specificity in sera and genital secretions were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.ResultsSpecific anti-sperm antibodies were detected in the serum of both high and low dose groups and were significantly higher than those observed in the controls. A high dose of sperm induced elevated immune responses over the low dose antigen. Immunization with a high dose of sperm increased the level of ASAs in the uterine secretions and vaginal secretions significantly. Higher ASAs were observed to have transduced to the uterine lumen compared to the vagina.ConclusionsBased on the results obtained in this study, parenteral immunization with whole sperm can induce a high level of specific antibodies in the serum and genital secretions of female dogs and the response would be dose-dependent.
Highlights
Available products for controlling fertility in dog population are limited to the synthetic hormonal preparations that prevent estrus and proestrus
Specific anti-sperm antibodies were detected in the serum of both high and low dose groups and were significantly higher than those observed in the controls
Immunization with a high dose of sperm increased the level of anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) in the uterine secretions and vaginal secretions significantly
Summary
Available products for controlling fertility in dog population are limited to the synthetic hormonal preparations that prevent estrus and proestrus. Such products should be administered daily over a prolonged period of time to be effective [1]. One of the proposed non-invasive strategies for decreasing the stray dog populations is the immunologically-based fertility controlling method (immunocontraception) which reduces the breeding success in dogs. Immunocontraception induces infertility by stimulating the immune system to produce specific antibodies against key reproductive antigens and preventing fertilization [2, 3]. Occurring anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) in the serum and genital fluids of immunological infertile couples reflect the potential of ASA as an immunocontraceptive target [4,5,6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
