An immunologic approach to population control in dogs.

Testicular, thyroidal, and adrenal activities were measured in male Beagles immunized against bovine luteinizing hormone for 15 or 52 weeks. Circulating antibodies were associated with atrophy of the testes, epididymides, and prostate gland. The effects of immunization were apparent by high amounts of antibodies and by reproductive dysfunction for as long as a year in 3 of 4 dogs. The thyroid and adrenal glands were not detectably affected. A single dose of human chorionic gonadotropin stimulated production of antibodies that failed to cross react with canine gonadotropins or to cause reproductive failure in immunized dogs. A single dose of ovine gonadotropin stimulated production of antibodies that were associated with inability to ejaculate for more than 20 weeks.