RESUMO
PROBLEM: This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant SP-10 protein for male contraception. METHODS OF STUDY: Adult male mice were divided into five groups. Group I was placebo-treated control while Groups II-V were immunized with recombinant SP-10 protein on day 0 and 21 with different doses (range 25-100 µg). From each Group, animals were put for mating fertility test. Histological and hematological parameters, sperm characteristics, serum clinical biochemistry and testosterone levels were investigated. RESULTS: Group I showed normal fertility. Group II-V showed dose dependent reduction in fertility. In contrast, at higher dose (75 and 100 µg), all animals were sterile for three months. Further, all parameters under investigation in experimental groups were comparable to those of control animals. CONCLUSION: Our study has put forth a proof of concept for male contraception for the first time, which may be considered suitable for contraceptive vaccine development.