Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:38
Overcoming Unresponsiveness in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) Resistant Mouse Strains by Adoptive Transfer and Antigenic Challenge
Published on: April 9, 2012
Reversible immunocontraception in male monkeys immunized with eppin
M G O'rand1, E E Widgren, P Sivashanmugam
1Laboratories for Reproductive Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. morand@unc.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 13, 2004
Summary
Researchers developed a reversible male contraceptive using a protein called Eppin. Immunizing male monkeys with Eppin led to infertility, with fertility returning after immunization stopped, showing potential for human use.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Immunology
- Contraceptive development
Background:
- Limited birth control options exist for men, creating a need for male contraceptives.
- Effective, safe, and reversible male contraceptives are crucial for global family planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Eppin immunocontraception in male nonhuman primates.
- To assess the efficacy and reversibility of an Eppin-based male contraceptive.
Main Methods:
- Male nonhuman primates (Macaca radiata) were immunized with Eppin, a protein specific to the testis and epididymis.
- Antibody titers against Eppin were measured.
- Fertility was assessed before, during, and after immunization.
Main Results:
- Seven out of nine (78%) immunized males developed high antibody titers to Eppin.
- All males with high anti-Eppin titers became infertile.
- Five out of seven (71%) males with high anti-Eppin titers regained fertility after immunization cessation.
Conclusions:
- Male immunocontraception using Eppin is an effective and reversible method.
- This approach shows promise for development as a human contraceptive.
