Immunofluorescence and electron microscopic studies on kidney, choroid plexus and pituitary in rhesus monkeys immunized with the anti-hCG vaccine Pr-β-HCG-TT

Abstract

Seven monkeys immunized for periods varying from six to twenty-five months with Pr-β-hCG-TT were autopsied aftsr repeated challenges with hCG and hLH. No gross or microscopic abnormality was seen in these monkeys. Ultrastructural studies on kidney and choroid plexus showed absence of immune complex deposits on the basement membranes of proximal and distal tubules and in glomeruli region of the kidney. The basement membranes of the capillaries of choroid plexus were also devoid of such deposits. No evidence for deposits of immunoglobulins and complement was found in frozen sections of these organs by immunofluorescence techniques. The pituitary was devoid of small cell infiltration. The basophil and acidophil cells in the pituitary did not show degranulation of the secretory vehicles. The data indicate that immunization of monkeys with this vaccine did not lead to apparent pituitary pathology. The immune complexes formed with moderate doses of hLH and hCG were not deposited in the tissues sensitive to such deposits.