RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of a human ZP3 monoclonal antibody (mAb hZP3) on the expression of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) and number of theca cells in the ovaries of mice (Mus musculus). METHODS: Our study employed a true experiment posttest-only control group design of 48 mice that were divided into the control and three mAb hZP3-treatment groups (20, 40, and 60 µg). Mice in each group were terminated on days 10, 15, and 20. GDF-9 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry and the number of theca cells was counted. RESULTS: Analysis of the effects of mAb hZP3 (at 20-60 µg) on the expression of GDF-9 and amount of theca cells did not show significant differences. Similar findings were observed throughout the study period (at 10-20 days). Therefore, mAb hZP3 had no effect on GDF-9 expression and theca cells. CONCLUSION: This study showed that mAb hZP3 can be considered to be an effective and safe immunocontraception.