Abstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a novel Inhibin (INH) DNA vaccine (C500/pVAX-asd-IS) on the immune response, reproductive hormone levels, and spermatogenesis of rats. Forty healthy male rats were divided into four groups, and respectively immunized (thrice, 14 d apart) with 1×108, 1×109, and 1×1010 CFU of the recombinant inhibin vaccine (group C500/pVAX-asd-IS-L, C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M, and C500/pVAX-asd-IS-H) or 1×1010 CFU C500. P/N values increased after vaccination and differed (p <0.05) at 7 d, and sharply increased at 14 d following the booster vaccination (p <0.01); The weight and volume of testes in C500/pVAX-asd-IS groups were increased (p < 0.05) at decapitation, respectively; Histological evaluation showed that the number of spermatogenic cells in the lumen was increased, and the cytoplasmic remnants of sperms were allergy increased significantly compared with the control group. Oral vaccination with INH DNA reduced (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of INH B, enhanced serum concentrations of testosterone (T) and FSH. Furthermore, mRNA expressions of VIM and SMAD4 in the testes were increased in C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M and C500/pVAX-asd-IS-H groups (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The mRNA amount of INHβ-B in C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M group was greater than control group (p < 0.05).These results suggested that neutralization of endogenous INH through oral vaccination with INH DNA delivered by C500 strain successfully elicited a humoral immune response. INH gene immunization may have a positive effect on spermatogenesis and reproductive efficiency in male rats. (INH C500/pVAXasdIS C500pVAXasdIS CpVAXasdIS C500/pVAX asd IS pVAX C (C500/pVAX-asd-IS response levels thrice, thrice (thrice 1 apart 1108 108 1×108 1109 109 1×109 11010 1010 1×101 C500/pVAXasdISL, C500pVAXasdISL CpVAXasdISL L, L C500/pVAX-asd-IS-L C500/pVAXasdISM, C500pVAXasdISM CpVAXasdISM M, M C500/pVAXasdISH C500pVAXasdISH CpVAXasdISH H PN P N <0.05 005 0 05 <0.01 001 01 <0.01) decapitation B T (T FSH Furthermore SMAD C500/pVAXasdISM 0.0 0.01. 0.01 . 0.01) INHβB INHβ 0.05.These 005These These .These C50 pVAXasdIS C500pVAX CpVAX 110 10 1×10 1101 101 pVAXasdISL C500/pVAXasdISL pVAXasdISM pVAXasdISH <0.0 00 0. C5 11 1×1 <0. 1× <0

The association of IGF-I gene polymorphisms with certain traits in 708 individuals of two Chinese dairy-goat breeds (Guanzhong and Xinong Saanen) was investigated. Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequencing methods were employed in screening for genetic variation. Two novel mutations were detected in the 5'-flanking region and in intron 4 of IGF-I gene, viz., g.1617 G > A and g.5752 G > C (accession D26119.2), respectively. The associations of the g.1617 G > A mutation with milk yield and the body size were not significant (p > 0.05). However, in the case of g.5752 G > C, Xinong Saanen dairy goats with the CG genotype presented longer bodies (p < 0.05). Chest circumference (p < 0.05) was larger in Guanzhong goats with the GG genotype. In Xinong Saanen dairy goats with the CC genotype, milk yields were significantly higher during the first and second lactations (p < 0.05). Hence, the g.5752 G > C mutation could facilitate association analysis and serve as a genetic marker for Chinese dairy-goat breeding and genetics.