Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Contraception, Immunologic”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 991 records · Page 55Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Prostasomes: current concepts.

BACKGROUND: Prostasomes are membranous vesicles secreted by prostate gland, and they contain large amounts of cholesterol, sphingomyelin, calcium, and several enzymes. Prostasomes are involved in a number of biological functions. At ejaculation, these prostasomes are expelled with prostate secretions and are to be found in the seminal plasma as seminal prostasomes, which facilitate sperm function in various ways. METHODS: In this review, we discuss the structural and functional role of prostasomes, the various enzyme systems associated with these vesicles, and the biological role prostasomes play in male reproduction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Prostasomes are pluripotent and well-organized organelles secreted by the prostate gland. Prostasomes are ascribed to have many physiologiocal functions, the primary function being enhancement of sperm capacity. The several enzyme systems, small signaling molecules, and neuroendocrine markers associated with prostasomes reveal the complex nature of these vesicles in regulating sperm viability and vitality. The functional significance of these molecules that regulate complex pathways in these small vesicles is still a matter of dogma. Critical evaluation of the biological processes associated with prostasomes might be helpful in modeling new contraceptive agents, improving the techniques of in vitro fertilization, and in furthering our understanding and treatment of male factor infertility.

Acrosome↗
PubMed2004

Immune responses to a GnRH-based anti-fertility immunogen, induced by different adjuvants and subsequent effect on vaccine efficacy.

A modified GnRH peptide (CHWSYGLRPG-NH2) was conjugated to tetanus toxoid and formulated with different adjuvants (non-ionic surfactant vesicles, aluminium hydroxide, Quil A, PLGA (poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/triacetin), and Quil A/PLGA). A comparison of the anti-fertility efficacy of the formulations was made by examining specific antibody levels, antibody subclasses, endocrine ablation and gonadal atrophy. The production of IgG2b antibody provided the best correlation for castration. PLGA was considered the most effective adjuvant as it produced a consistent anti-fertility response in all the treated animals.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of lipopeptide-based immunocontraceptive vaccines containing different lipid groups.

We have previously shown that incorporating the lipid moiety dipalmitoyl-S-glyceryl cysteine (Pam2Cys) into peptide structures effectively adjuvants otherwise weak immunogens. In this study lipopeptides based on luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) as a B cell epitope, [B], were synthesised in tandem with a 17-residue T-helper epitope, [T], derived from the fusion protein of the morbillivirus canine distemper virus. In this way vaccine candidates with the structure [T]-[B] were produced. These peptides were then lipidated with different diacylated moieties. The acyl moieties used were: palmitic acid (C16) to give Pam2Cys, stearic acid (C18) to give Ste2Cys, lauric acid (C12) to give Lau2Cys and octanoic acid (C8) to give Oct2Cys. We compared the immunogenicities of these simple lipopeptides in BALB/c mice by measuring their ability to induce anti-LHRH antibodies and found that immunogenicity was dependent on the length of the alkane chains of the incorporated lipid moieties with the hierarchy C16=C18>C12>C8. The antibody levels elicited by the lipopeptides also correlated with their ability to inhibit the reproductive capability of female mice in fertility trials. Furthermore, the C16 lipopeptide was the most effective in activating dendritic cells, measured by up regulation of surface MHC Class II molecules, and also in activating NF-kappaB in a Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2)-dependent manner.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1980

The physiologic consequences of vas ligation.

Although the number of studies involving vasectomized men has been limited there appears to be no significant long-term effects. Endocrine function continues virtually unaltered. With a small number of exceptions spermatogenesis in man, as judged by a return of normal seminiferous tubule morphology, remains unchanged. However, the quality of the sperm may vary. The immunologic consequences of vasectomy have not been investigated fully. Although it is attractive to postulate that cross-reactive antibodies may develop to sperm antigens no autoimmune diseases in man secondary to vasectomy have been demonstrated. The increased incidence of atherosclerosias not been established in man. Presently, vasectomy remains a simple and safe means of permanent contraception.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Enhancement of humoral immunity to the hCG beta protein antigen by fusing a molecular adjuvant C3d3.

The vaccine directed against human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has previously undergone clinical test demonstrating the feasibility of the approach in preventing pregnancy in women. Some individuals, however, did not response adequately despite employing highly immunogenic bacterial toxoids as carriers. In this study, we investigated the potential of three copies of C3d as a new molecular adjuvant to enhance the immunogenicity of hCG beta protein antigen. The antibody response to the hCG beta-C3d3 fusion protein immunization was compared with those resulting from immunization with the hCG beta alone and the hCG beta plus CFA/IFA either in BALB/c mice or in C(57)BL/6J mice. Our results showed that the fusion of C3d3 to hCG beta protein antigen resulted in a significant elevation of the serum anti-hCG beta antibody level in the two mouse strains and the antibodies were capable of effectively neutralizing the bioactivity of hCG. The immunization with C3d3 as a molecular adjuvant favored Th2 bias of immune response. The immunity-enhancing effect of the C3d3 was 10-fold (initial) and 20-32-fold (booster) greater than CFA/IFA. These findings indicated that fusion of C3d3 to hCG beta, as a means of harnessing the adjuvant potential of the innate immune system, may improve immunogenicity of the hCG beta contraceptive vaccine, which is useful to produce a cost-effective vaccine and for the less-responsive population.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2004

Vaginal yeast colonisation, prevalence of vaginitis, and associated local immunity in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate point prevalence vaginal yeast colonisation and symptomatic vaginitis in middle adolescents and to identify relation of these yeast conditions with reproductive hormones, sexual activity, sexual behaviours, and associated local immunity. METHODS: Middle adolescent females (n = 153) were evaluated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), asymptomatic yeast colonisation, and symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) by standard criteria. Also evaluated were local parameters, including vaginal associated cytokines, chemokines, and antibodies, vaginal epithelial cell antifungal activity, and Candida specific peripheral blood lymphocyte responses. Correlations between yeast colonisation/vaginitis and local immunomodulators, reproductive hormones, douching, sexual activity, condom use, and STIs were identified. RESULTS: Rates of point prevalence asymptomatic yeast colonisation (22%) were similar to adults and similarly dominated by Candida albicans, but with uncharacteristically high vaginal yeast burden. In contrast with the high rate of STIs (18%), incidence of symptomatic VVC was low (<2%). Immunological properties included high rates of Candida specific systemic immune sensitisation, a Th2 type vaginal cytokine profile, total and Candida specific vaginal antibodies dominated by IgA, and moderate vaginal epithelial cell anti-Candida activity. Endogenous reproductive hormones were in low concentration. Sexual activity positively correlated with vaginal yeast colonisation, whereas vaginal cytokines (Th1, Th2, proinflammatory), chemokines, antibodies, contraception, douching, or condom use did not. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic vaginal yeast colonisation in adolescents is distinct in some ways with adults, and positively correlates with sexual activity, but not with local immunomodulators or sexual behaviours. Despite several factors predictive for VVC, symptomatic VVC was low compared to STIs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Laboratory and clinical experience with a monoclonal antibody-based radioimmunoassay for serum total thyroxine.

The performance characteristics and diagnostic value of a monoclonal antibody-based radioimmunoassay for serum total thyroxine (Mallinckrodt) are described. Between-batch precision (coefficient of variation) was 10.4% at 87 nmol/l and 3.3% at 185 nmol/l. Scatchard analysis revealed a linear plot with a Ka of 5.4 X 10(8) l/mol. Sensitivity was 4.5 nmol/l of thyroxine. An association study showed that the assay reached equilibrium well within the specified incubation time. Cross-reaction of triiodothyronine and reverse triiodothyronine in the assay was 0.6% and 25.0% respectively. Analytical recovery was 91-110%. Linearity was well demonstrated but dilutions of a high concentration of thyroxine in serum did not parallel the standard curve. The correlation coefficient for comparison with a polyclonal antibody assay was 0.95 for 83 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of the monoclonal antibody assay was adequate for most patients with thyroid disease, pregnant women, oral contraceptive users and subjects on thyroxine-replacement therapy. Measurement of total thyroxine by a monoclonal antibody-based method shows no definite advantage over the conventional polyclonal antibody assay.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1988

Human seminal plasma allergy in India.

Human seminal plasma allergy (HSPA) in women has been documented in the West. We describe here the first case of HSPA reported in India. An 18-year-old married woman presented with a 2-year history of episodic wheezing dyspnea. She had always had local postcoital symptoms since her first intercourse. Systemic symptoms developed subsequently. Despite more than 2 years of unprotected coitus, the patient had not conceived. The intradermal tests with seminal plasma antigen prepared from her husband's semen and from a healthy volunteer were markedly positive in the patient. Similar tests on her husband were negative. HSPA, especially the local forms, may be difficult to identify in our social conditions.

Antigens↗
PubMed2001

Enhanced immunogenicity of a contraceptive vaccine using diverse synthetic carriers with permissible adjuvant.

A vaccine directed against human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has previously undergone clinical testing demonstrating the feasibility of the approach in preventing pregnancy in women. Some individuals, however, did not respond adequately despite employing highly immunogenic bacterial toxoids as carriers. We investigated the potential of three promiscuous pathogen-derived Th peptides as carriers, employing alum as the adjuvant. While conjugation with each peptide improved the antibody response against hCG in mice of different haplotypes, immunisation with a combination of these peptide-conjugates generated anti-hCG responses higher than those achieved with the individual peptides or tetanus toxoid (TT). Antibodies were of high affinity and capable of neutralising the bioactivity of hCG but were devoid of anti-peptide reactivity. These results have implication for the design of hCG vaccine with improved immunogenicity for diverse population.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1991

The vaginal ecosystem.

The ecology of vaginal flora is highly susceptible to numerous endogenous and exogenous influences. Possible mechanisms that might influence changes in the vaginal flora are microbial antibiosis, adhesion to the vaginal epithelial lining, e.g., availability of receptors, hormonal changes including physiologic alterations, disease states, drug therapy, sexual activity, and to a lesser extent, the immunologic status of the person. The role that these mechanisms may play in promoting vaginitis, vaginosis, and possibly pelvic inflammatory disease is explored.

Antibiosis↗
PubMed2003

Correlates of IL-10 and IL-12 concentrations in cervical secretions.

Interindividual variations in host immune responses to HPV infection are thought to be important determinants of viral persistence and progression to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer. However, few studies have measured local immune markers at the site of infection (e.g., the cervical mucosa). We sought to determine biologic correlates of IL-10 and IL-12 concentrations in cervical secretions. Cervical secretions were passively collected using a WeckCel sponge from 247 women participating in a natural history study of human papillomavirus infection as part of an immunologic ancillary study. IL-10 and IL-12 concentrations were determined using standard ELISA assays. In general, IL-10 and IL-12 levels were significantly intercorrelated (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.6) but had somewhat different determinants. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in IL-10 concentrations were observed for nonovulatory phases of the menstrual cycle, postmenopausal status, recent use of oral contraceptives (OC), low secretion volume, macrolevels of heme contamination, and high vaginal pH. Increasing IL-10 levels were also observed among smokers, women with increasing numbers of lifetime sex partners, and women who report having less frequent sex (less than once per week), however, these results were not statistically significant. Significantly higher IL-12 concentrations were observed among recent OC users, women with low secretion volume, and women with a high vaginal pH. There was a non-statistically significant observation of increasing IL-12 levels among nonsmokers, women with increasing numbers of lifetime and recent pregnancies, and increasing levels of heme contamination. We failed to observe a significant association between HPV and IL-10 or IL-12 levels in this crosssectional sample. Future analyses of cervical cytokine levels and HPV infection should control for the inherent variation of local cytokine levels due to hormonal influences, hemoglobin contamination, pH, and cervical secretion volume differences.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

In situ characterization of leukocytes in the fallopian tube in women with or without an intrauterine contraceptive device.

Histological evaluation of sections from the human fallopian tube revealed an inflammatory reaction in 21 of 31 women using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and in four of 29 controls (non-IUCD users). The inflammatory cells were mainly localized at the epithelium-lamina propria interface and at the center of the mucosal folds. The immunohistochemical study revealed leukocytes (CD45+), T lymphocytes (CD3+), T helper cells (CD4+), T suppressor/cytotoxic cells (CD8+), B lymphocytes (CD22+, CD19+), granulocytes, monocytes and null cells (CD11b+) mainly localized at the lamina propria in both groups. T lymphocytes were the predominant cell type, and the ratio between T helper and T suppressor/cytotoxic cells was fairly close to one both in IUCD-users and controls. B lymphocytes were the least frequent cell type identified. In IUCD users, the numbers of the different leukocytes were increased. In both groups, IgA-, IgG- and IgM-positive cells were demonstrated and were predominantly located at the lamina propria of the mucosal folds. The IgA-positive cells dominated in both groups, whereas IgG- and IgM-positive cells were less frequent. Cell positive for IgA, IgG or IgM were significantly increased in number in the IUCD users. The data confirm the presence of an immune system in the normal human fallopian tube and indicate that the IUCD can induce a prominent recruitment of inflammatory cells, with a tubal inflammation as the result. The IUCD may disturb the immunological function of the fallopian tube and its rôle in fertilization.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Future prospects for vaccines to control fertility.

Vaccination is used routinely to protect against infectious disease and is being explored increasingly as a method of protection against tumors. Also, it has been established that vaccination using antigens associated with reproduction can protect against undesired pregnancy. Substantial progress over the past decade suggests that, if the remaining immunological and socioeconomic issues can be resolved, antifertility vaccines could be a valuable, additional method of family planning.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed1979

Intramitochondrial rod-like inclusions in human breast tumors.

Ultrastructural screening of human breast tumor biopsies has revealed, in 43% of the carcinomas, and in 16% of the benign lesions examined. the presence of rod-like inclusions in mitochondria of epithelial cells. The inclusions are cylindrical in cross section, with a diameter of about 50 nm, and show regular striations in longitudinal sections. They are probably derived from cristae. Mitochondria with inclusions are usually enlarged and are found most frequently in epithelial cells of invasive tumors and near zones of tumor necrosis. Similar although not identical inclusions have been observed by other investigators in the liver of women with hydatidiform mole or choriocarcinoma, of pregnant women, and of women taking oral contraceptives. Identical inclusions have been found in mitochondria of HeLa cells treated with anti-HeLa serum. Although no clear-cut correlations were found between the finding of inclusions and parameters such as age of patients, nuclear grade or lymphocytic infiltration of the breast tumors, it is conceivable that the presence of mitochondrial inclusions reflects the effect of hormonal or of immunological factors.

Adenofibroma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Homosexual men who engage in high-risk sexual behavior. A multicenter comparison.

To describe homosexual men who continue to engage in unprotected oral and anal sex, 601 men who attended three urban STD clinics and who had engaged in these behaviors with a male partner in the previous 4 months were interviewed regarding their sexual and drug-use behaviors. Although approximately one fourth of participants had engaged in 1 to 2 episodes of unprotected anal sex, more than 20% reported engaging in greater than 23 episodes. Higher frequency of anal sex was associated with lower condom use rates. Although 50% had primary relationships, less than 22% had sex with just one partner, and less than 10% were in relationships concordant for HIV-antibody status. Multiple regression analyses showed that number of drugs used each month, sex in a steady relationship, and Hispanic ethnicity were the most consistent predictors of risk behavior across sites. Careful evaluation of the diverse nature and characteristics of these men is essential to target risk-reduction programs for this population.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Immunological comparison of various human pregnancy-associated plasma proteins.

Direct immunodiffusion comparison with specific antisera demonstrated that all of the four pregnancy-associated plasma proteins (PAPPs) described in our laboratory are distinct from the pregnancy zone protein (von Schoultz); alpha2-pregnoglobulin (Berne); pregnancy-associated alpha2-glycoprotein (SP3) (Bohn); new serum alpha2-macroglobulin (Stimson); PAG (Horne); pregnancy-associated alpha2-globulin (Kasukawa); Pal (McLaren), and Xh protein (Dunston). All the latter proved to be immunologically idnetical to each other, and apparently represent the same protein described under different names. It was confirmed that none of the PAPPs is immunochemically related to placental alkaline phosphatase. PAPP-A, PAPP-C, and the pregnancy zone protein, but not HPL (PAPP-D), showed a decreased anodic mobility when treated with neuraminidase; their reactivities with antibody were essentially unaffected by the ezyme, however. Certain detergents had no effect on the immunological reactivities of the PAPPs and the pregnancy zone protein in whole plasma, while butanol and desoxycholate partially, and urea, SDS and cetylpyridinium largely inactivated them.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1990

Expression in yeast of amino-terminal peptide fusions to hepatitis B core antigen and their immunological properties.

Hepatitis B core protein (HBcAg) is a potent antigen that gives both a T-cell-dependent and a T-cell-independent antibody response. It has been shown that a foreign epitope can be fused to the amino terminus of HBcAg without affecting particle integrity, and that the resulting chimaeric cores retain the immunogenicity of the foreign epitope. Here we describe the efficient expression in yeast of two different chimaeric cores, carrying epitopes of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which are candidates for FMD and contraceptive vaccines, respectively. These cores could not be produced in E. coli in soluble form but were expressed to high levels in yeast. We constructed a yeast expression vector that allows rapid production of different chimaeric cores by cloning in cassettes encoding foreign epitopes. Both FMDV and hCG-cores were shown to present the epitopes at the surface of the particles. The FMDV-cores produced in yeast were efficient inducers of neutralising antibodies in guinea-pigs after one low dose.

Amino Acid Sequence↗