Influence of active immunization against GnRH on VIP- and NPY-positive innervation of the porcine testis

Folia Histochem Cytobiol. 2001;39(3):269-74.

Abstract

The influence of an anti-GnRH vaccine on VIP- and NPY-positive innervation of testes was studied in the pig. The immunization prevented the occurrence of changes in the pattern of VIP- and NPY-positive testicular innervation associated with the sexual maturation: it maintained the density of innervation at the high level characteristic for sexually immature animals. The effect was dependent on the method of immunization: the application of two doses of the vaccine was more efficient than application of only one dose, and vaccination with adjuvant was more efficient than vaccination with the plain vaccine. The studies on VIP and NPY concentration in the testicular tissue with radioimmunoassay (RIA) revealed immunization-dependent changes in the peptide concentration, however, some discrepancies between morphological changes and peptide levels were observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Contraception
  • Contraception, Immunologic
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Neurons / chemistry*
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neuropeptide Y / analysis*
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Swine
  • Testis / chemistry
  • Testis / cytology
  • Testis / innervation*
  • Vaccines, Contraceptive*
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / analysis*

Substances

  • Neuropeptide Y
  • Vaccines, Contraceptive
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide