Effects of immunization against bone morphogenetic protein-15 and growth differentiation factor-9 on ovarian function in mares.
Abstract: Currently there is no contraceptive vaccine that can cause permanent sterility in mares. This study investigates the effect of vaccination against oocyte-specific growth factors, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 (BMP-15) and Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF-9), on ovarian function of mares. It was hypothesized that immunization against these growth factors would prevent ovulation and/or accelerate depletion of the oocyte reserve. For this study, 30 mares were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10/group) and vaccinated with BMP-15 or GDF-9 peptides conjugated to KLH and adjuvant, or a control of phosphate buffered saline and adjuvant. Horses received vaccinations at weeks 0, 6, 12, and 18. Ovarian activity and estrous behavior were evaluated 3 days a week via ultrasonography and interaction with a stallion. The study was initiated on March1, 2016. Upon evaluation of ovulation rate, the GDF-9 group did not have a difference (P = 0.66) in ovulation rate when compared to controls (10.8 and 10.0 ovulations, respectively), but the number of ovulations in the BMP-15 group was less (P = 0.02; 4.9 ovulations). Average follicle size prior to ovulation was less (P < 0.0001) in both treatment groups compared to controls. Estrous behavior was altered in both the BMP-15 and GDF-9 groups compared to controls after the second vaccination (P = 0.05 and 0.03, respectively). Although further research is required to determine the continued effects of vaccination against GDF-9 on ovulation rates, these results indicate that vaccination against BMP-15 and GDF-9 could serve as a contraceptive in wild horse populations.
Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2018-03-06 PubMed ID: 29534827DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.02.015Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Randomized Controlled Trial
Summary
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The study explores the impact of vaccination against the growth factors BMP-15 and GDF-9 on the ovarian function of mares. A key finding is that such a vaccination can potentially be used as a contraceptive method, specifically within wild horse populations.
Research Design and Methodology
- The study included 30 mares that were split into three groups of 10. The groups were each given different treatments with two receiving vaccines containing BMP-15 or GDF-9 peptides, conjugated to KLH, and an adjuvant. The third group was given a control vaccine comprised of a phosphate buffered saline and adjuvant.
- The vaccines were distributed at weeks 0, 6, 12, and 18 of the study which kicked off on March 1, 2016.
- All subjects were observed thrice a week, with the researchers focusing on ovarian activity and estrous behavior. These were analyzed through ultrasonography and interaction with a stallion.
Results and Findings
- The results showed contrasting ovulation rates among the groups. The GDF-9 group did not show a significant difference compared to the control group, recording 10.8 and 10.0 ovulations respectively.
- The BMP-15 group, however, showed a much reduced rate of ovulation (4.9) compared to the control group.
- Aside from ovulation rates, it was also found that the average follicle sizes prior to ovulation were smaller in both treatment groups than in the control group.
- Estrous behavior of the horses was also affected, with changes observed in both treatment groups after being given the second dose of the vaccine.
Conclusions
- The researchers concluded that while further investigation is required to establish the long-term effects of GDF-9 vaccination on ovulation rates, the study’s results signify that such a vaccine against BMP-15 and GDF-9 can possibly serve as a contraceptive for wild horses.
- These findings could prove significant, given that there is no existing vaccine that can permanently sterilize mares.
Cite This Article
APA
Davis KA, Klohonatz KM, Mora DSO, Twenter HM, Graham PE, Pinedo P, Eckery DC, Bruemmer JE.
(2018).
Effects of immunization against bone morphogenetic protein-15 and growth differentiation factor-9 on ovarian function in mares.
Anim Reprod Sci, 192, 69-77.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.02.015 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- USDA National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- USDA National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA. Electronic address: Jason.Bruemmer@colostate.edu.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 / immunology
- Female
- Growth Differentiation Factor 9 / immunology
- Horses / physiology
- Immunization Schedule
- Ovary / immunology
- Ovary / physiology
- Ovulation / immunology
- Vaccines, Contraceptive / immunology
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- de Moraes FP, Missio D, Lazzari J, Rovani MT, Ferreira R, Gonçalves PBD, Gasperin BG. Local regulation of antral follicle development and ovulation in monovulatory species. Anim Reprod 2022;19(4):e20220099.
- Asa CS, Moresco A. Fertility Control in Wildlife: Review of Current Status, Including Novel and Future Technologies. Adv Exp Med Biol 2026;16:605-645.
- Samie KA, Kowalewski MP, Schuler G, Gastal GDA, Bollwein H, Scarlet D. Roles of GDF9 and BMP15 in equine follicular development: in vivo content and in vitro effects of IGF1 and cortisol on granulosa cells. BMC Vet Res 2025 Apr 27;21(1):292.
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