Immunocontraception involves stimulating immune responses against gametes or reproductive hormones thus preventing conception. The method is being developed for the humane control of pest and overabundant populations of mammalian wildlife. This paper examines three fundamental issues associated with its use: (1) the difficulties of obtaining responses to self-antigens, (2) the likely evolution of genetically based non-response to immunocontraceptive agents, and (3) the possible changes in the array of pathogens possessed by the target species after generations of immunocontraception. Our review of the literature demonstrates that the barriers to an effective immunocontraceptive are at present very basic. Should they be overcome, the effects of immunocontraception on the immunogenetic constitution of wildlife populations through the selection for non-responders must be examined. We suggest that the attempt to use the animal's own immune system to modulate reproduction may be incompatible with the basic biological function of protection against infectious disease. Research programs on mammalian immunocontraception should involve measurement of the heritability of non-response and an assessment of the likely change in the response of the contracepted population to possible pathogens.

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Immunocontraception of mammalian wildlife: ecological and immunogenetic issues

This article reviews possibilities for immunological contraception and its advantages for world population control. Current population growth estimates particularly for the underdeveloped countries indicate an effective means of fertility control that can be used massively with long-range utility is needed to avert an intolerable world wide population size by the end of the century. Reversible sterility by injection would be particularly useful in this situation. Antibody reactions in both males and females to both sexes gonad tissues are being studied in an attempt to develop a suitable vaccine. Antibodies to testicular tissue and spermatoza have been found in higher quantities in infertile men than in fertile men and presumably they interfere with spermatozal production and viability. These could be used in both men and women. In addition antigens have been found in female cells which when injected in females may interfere with the estrous cycle or pregnancy. Because of the great advantages inherent in the immunological approach these methods provide a challenging goal for further research.

Joshi Sh

Papers

An immunological approach to fertility control.