GnRH agonist active immunization influences gonadotropin receptor expression in pituitary gland, uterine development and secretion of peripheral reproduction hormones in female mice

Abstract

Abstract Objective The present study was conducted to assess the effects of the GnRH agonist (alarelin) on the expression of GnRHR, FSHR and LHR mRNAs in the pituitary gland and uterine development in female mice. Methods Sixty pre-estrus female mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 15). The mice in experiment group 1 (EG-1), experiment group 2 (EG-2), and experiment group 3 (EG-3) were subcutaneously injected with 0.375 μg/kg, 0.75 μg/kg and 1.5 μg/kg alarelin antigen emulsion, respectively, once a day during 7 consecutive days to enhance immune response. Mice in the control group (CG) were injected with 0.l ml solvent once a day on 7 consecutive days. The samples of blood, pituitary and uterine horns were collected aseptically at day 21 from each mouse. Fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR was implemented to detect gene expression of GnRHR, FSHR and LHR in the pituitary glands. ELISA was used to measure the serum LH and FSH concentrations. The uterine slices were observed under an optical microscope;...