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.