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Physiologic Responses Following Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone Immunization in Intact Male Dogs
Author(s) -
Donovan CE,
Greer M,
Kutzler MA
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
reproduction in domestic animals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1439-0531
pISSN - 0936-6768
DOI - 10.1111/rda.12017
Subject(s) - gonadotropin releasing hormone , gonadotropin , immunization , endocrinology , medicine , hormone , biology , immunology , luteinizing hormone , antibody
Contents We investigated the use of a commercial gonadotropin‐releasing hormone ( G n RH ) vaccine as a method of temporary and reversible immunocastration in intact male dogs. Four privately owned dogs were vaccinated twice at 4‐week intervals. Blood samples were collected at 0, 4, 12 and 20 weeks following the initial vaccination. These samples were analysed for G n RH antibody titres, luteinizing hormone ( LH ) and testosterone concentrations. Scrotal measurements were made at the time of sample collection, and testicular volume was calculated using the formula of an ellipsoid. As a result of vaccination, dogs displayed an elevated G n RH antibody titre, decreased LH and testosterone concentrations and decreased testicular volume, which reversed by the end of the study period. Therefore, these results suggest that immunizing against G n RH may be a possible choice for temporary and reversible immunocastration.