Experimental induction of immunotolerance to gonadotropin in mice

Abstract

This study was conducted to induce immunotolerance to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a heterologous protein in neonatal mice. Ovulatory responses after repeated induction of superovulation were also investigated in the animals. Subcutaneous injection of hCG (100 IU) was performed in female mice within 24 hours after birth. Serum anti-hCG antibody titers were assayed and ovulatory responses were observed after the repeated superovulation with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and hCG.As a result, the production of anti-hCG antibody was suppressed. Thus, tolerance induction to hCG was achieved, although it was incomplete. Compared with the control mice, the ovulatory rate was higher after the induction of immunotolerance to hCG. It was suggested that the production of anti-hCG antibody has a close relation with a decrease in the ovulatory response after the repeated induction of superovulation by gonadotropins.