The Single-Shot GnRH Immunocontraceptive Vaccine (GonaCon^TM ) in White-Tailed Deer: Comparison of Several GnRH Preparations

Authors

• Lowell A. Miller, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
• James P. Gionfriddo, USDA National Wildlife Research Center
• Kathleen A. Fagerstone, USDA National Wildlife Research Center
• Jack C. Rhyan, USDA National Wildlife Research Center
• Gary J. Killian, Pennsylvania State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2008

Comments

Published in American Journal of Reproductive Immunology 60 (2008), pp. 214–223. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0897.2008.00616.x

Abstract

Problem: An effective, single-injection, multi-year, GnRH contraceptive agent is needed to control reproduction in overabundant white-tailed deer populations.

Method of study: Two GnRH conjugates, GonaCon^TM (GnRH–KLH) and GonaCon-B^TM (GnRH–blue protein), were prepared in emulsion form as one-injection and two-injection immunocontraceptive vaccine formulations. In addition, the GnRH–KLH protein conjugate was lyophilized and suspended in AdjuVac^TM adjuvant to produce a fifth vaccine formulation. Each formulation was administered to a group of five captive adult female white-tailed deer. Reproductive performance of treated female deer was monitored for 5 years to determine the comparative efficacy of the various treatments.

Results: The longevity of the contraceptive response (2–5 years) was strongly influenced by the design of the conjugate antigen, the adjuvant used, and the delivery form of the vaccine.

Conclusion: One-injection and two-injection formulations of GonaCon^TM and Gona- Con-B^TM produced multi-year contraception in adult female white-tailed deer. GonaCon-B^TM provided a longer lasting contraceptive effect.