Immunocontraceptive Potential of Goat Zona pellucida as Monkey Population Control

Authors: Mustofa I*, Utama S1, Mulyati S, Wurlina and Ndubuisi-Ogbonna LC

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000459

Volume 6, Issue 2

Abstract

A series of studies have explored the immunocontraceptive potential of zona pellucida-3 in local Indonesian goats. Goat zona pellucida-3 (gZP3) proteins have been identified and isolated. It has 82 kDa molecular weight and comprises 63.47% of the total goat zona pellucida protein. Immunofluorescence staining showed that gZP3 protein recognized goat sperm plasma membrane, whereas gZP3 antibodies recognized goat zona pellucida in native smear. In vitro fertilization study showed that gZP3 protein-supplemented in sperm capacitation medium and gZP3 antibody supplemented in oocyte maturation medium inhibited fertilization. It could be concluded that gZP3 was a fertilization receptor in a goat. Elisa and dot blot analysis showed that gZP3 protein was recognized by the serum of fertile unpregnant female mice. Therefore, it could be hypothesized that the gZP3 protein might be immunocontraceptive in mice. Immunization of mice with gZP3 proved that gZP3 prevented pregnancy and was dose-dependent. The contraceptive action of gZP3 was reversible after 14 estrous cycles. In vitro fertilization technique, it was proved that the antibody of gZP3 was able to prevent fertilization and decrease sperm binding rate on mice ova. The gZP3 nucleotide sequence has a homology at nearly 50% of the monkey ZP3 sequence (Macaca sp) but is foreign phylogenetically. The gZP3 protein has the potential to be developed as an immunocontraceptive substance for overpopulated monkeys to prevent agriculture disturbance in areas near forestry.

Keywords: Agriculture Disturbance; Areas Near Forestry; In Vitro Fertilization; Binding Assay; Nucleotide Sequence

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