Evaluation of immunocontraceptive effect of the monoclonal antibody bZP3 on the morphology, FSH receptor, AMH and Bcl-2 of granulosa cells: A study in Balb/c mice

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the immunocontraceptive effects of the monoclonal antibody bZP3 on ovarian morphology and ovarian expression of Bcl-2, FSH receptor and AMH. Study design: Thirty-six female mice of Balb/c strain were divided into six groups: three groups injected with 50 μl of phosphate buffer saline and observed at days 5, 10 and 20, and three groups injected with 50 μl of monoclonal antibody ZP3 and observed at days 5, 10 and 20. Ovarian morphology was histopathologically analyzed. Ovarian expression of FSH receptor, AMH and Bcl-2 was subjected to immunohistochemical analysis. Results: There was no significant difference in the number of follicles and granulosa cells’ diameter and number among different treatment groups (p > 0.05). Pre-antral and antral follicular expression of Bcl-2, FSH receptor and AMH did not differ significantly among treatment groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, immunocontraceptive administration of the monoclonal antibody bZP3 did not induce changes in morphology, cellular survival, protein expression, expression of FSH receptor and AMH levels.

Keywords

• Immunocontraceptive
• Histology
• Ovary
• Zona pellucida
• Monoclonal antibodies