Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/26985

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Title
Immunisation of the male tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) with spermatozoa elicits epididymal antigen-specific antibody secretion and compromised fertilisation rate
Author/Creator
Asquith, Kelly L.;  Kitchener, Anne L.;  Kay, David J.
Description
Immunocontraception has been proposed as an effective and humane means of controlling overabundant kangaroo populations in Australia. We have examined the feasibility of using a sperm-based vaccine for this purpose using a model macropod species, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii). This study has demonstrated immunocontraception in a marsupial species following immunisation of males with homologous spermatozoa. Serum anti-sperm IgG titres were associated with a significant reduction in fertilisation rates following mating with superovulated female wallabies. Antigen-specific IgG penetrated the reproductive tract at the rete testis and bound spermatozoa in vivo. IgG was detected bound to the acrosome and midpiece regions of both epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa. The absence of adverse testicular pathology and sperm movement effects suggests that contraception may have been achieved by antibody-mediated blocking of sperm surface antigens essential for fertilisation. This study demonstrates that a contraceptive vaccine targeting sperm antigens has potential for fertility control in male macropods.
Relation
Journal of Reproductive Immunology Vol. 69, Issue 2, p. 127-147
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2005.08.004
Date
2006
Publisher
Elsevier
Keyword(s)
marsupial;  Iimunocontraception;  tammar wallaby;  epididymis;  antibodies;  fertility
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/26985
Identifier
ISSN:0165-0378
Reviewed
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Subject
"Journal of Reproductive Immunology"
 
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