BIOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES TO BOVINE LUTROPIN RECEPTOR

Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were produced against bovine Lutropin receptor (LH-R). Antibodies were detected by an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Hybridomas were subcloned to achieve monoclonality. Ascites were developed in Balb/c mice. Hybridoma supernatants were purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography on hydroxylapatite columns. LH-R antibodies showed upto 50% inhibition of I-125-labeled hCG binding to bovine luteal cell membranes and up to 80% inhibition of testosterone production by hCG stimulated mouse Leydig cells. LH-R antibodies were predominantly IgM isotype. Purified antibodies showed a 78-kDa band, in SDS-PAGE, as the heavy chain of the immunoglobulin. LH-R antibodies were localized specifically in the thecal and luteal cells of the rat ovaries as well as in the Leydig cell of mouse testes. Injections of the LH-R antibody caused a constant estrus in normal rats. One month after the cessation of the injections the animals returned to normal estrus cycle and fertility. Pregnant mice injected with LH-R antibodies produced only 3 viable pregnancies and 10 pups, as compared to 8 pregnancies and 45 pups born to normal controls. LH-R antibodies also caused, approximately, a 50% reduction in testosterone production in normal male rats. These observations indicate a high degree of specificity of the Mab to LH-R and their potential in studies on gonadal function.