Effects of prolonged administration of anti-cumulus oophorus antibody on reproduction in mice

Summary.Mice were passively immunized over 6 weeks with contraceptive doses of an anti-cumulus oophorus antibody preparation. The persistence of oestrus, accompanied by complete inhibition of conception, was observed throughout treatment. After cessation of treatment, fertility was restored within 2 weeks. Histological examination did not reveal any depletion of the ovarian oocyte stock. These results warrant further research into the nature of cumulus antigens and their use in active immunization studies.Keywords:anti-cumulus antibody; immunocontraception; mouse; sexual behaviour; folliculogenesis