DOES THE GONADOTROPIC HORMONE INDUCE ANTIBODIES OR ANTIHORMONES?

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• The antigenic properties of gonadotropic hormones, specifically prolan and prosylan, have been debated.
• Previous studies suggested prolan possesses antigenic structure, potentially leading to confusion with non-specific urine antigens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antigenic function of purified gonadotropic hormones (prolan and prosylan) in experimental animals.
• To clarify the nature of antihormones against gonadotropic substances and assess species specificity.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 52 experiments on rabbits using purified prolan (from pregnant women's urine) and prosylan (from pregnant mares' blood).
• Examined sera from rabbits with high prolan antihormone levels for antibodies against prolan.
• Investigated the presence of prolan antibodies in pregnant women and postpartum individuals.
• Tested the effect of human-derived anti-prolan hormone on a mare-derived prosylan preparation.

Main Results:

• Purified prolan and prosylan demonstrated no antigenic function as antigens or haptens in rabbits.
• Sera rich in prolan antihormone did not contain prolan antibodies, suggesting antihormones act as protective ferments.
• No prolan antibodies were detected in pregnant or postpartum women.
• Human anti-prolan hormone did not neutralize mare-derived prosylan, indicating species specificity.

Conclusions:

• Prolan and prosylan are not antigenic, refuting prior claims attributed to confusion with urine colloids.
• Antihormones against gonadotropic substances function as protective ferments, not antibodies.
• The lack of antigenicity in purified hormones has implications for serological pregnancy diagnosis and reduces risks of toxic/allergic reactions during hormone therapy.
• A clear species specificity exists between human and equine gonadotropic hormones and their respective antihormones.