Investigation in vitro expression of catSper sub fragment followed by production of polyclonal antibody: potential candidate for the next generation of non hormonal contraceptive

CatSper is a voltage-sensitive calcium channel that is specifically expressed in the testis and it has a significant role in sperm performance. CatSper [1-4] ion channel subunit genes, causes sperm cell hyperactivation and male fertility. In this study, we have explored targeting of the extracellular loop as an approach for the generation of antibodies with the potential ability to block the ion channel and applicable method to the next generation of non-hormonal contraceptive. In this experimental study, a small extracellular fragment of Cat-Sper1 channel was cloned in pET-32a and pEGFP-N1 plasmids. Then, subsequent methods were performed to evaluate production of antibody: 1] pEGFP-N1/CatSper was used as a DNA vaccine to immunize Balb/c mice, 2] The purified protein of pET-32a/CatSper was used as an antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and western-blot, and 3] The serum of Balb/-c mice was used as an antibody in ELISA and western-blot. The statistical analysis was performed using the Mann Whitney test. The results showed that vaccination of the experimental group with DNA vaccine caused to produce antibody with [p< 0.05] unlike the control group. This antibody extracted from Balb/c serum could recognize the antigen, and it may be used potentially as a male contraception to prevent sperm motility. CatSpers are the promising targets to develop male contraceptive because they are designed highly specific for sperm; although, no antagonists of these channels have been reported in the literature to date. As results showed, this antibody can be used in male for blocking CatSper channel and it has the potential ability to use as a contraceptive

[Urban mental health service: primary health care model with community participation]

The aim of the present study was to assess the degree of efficiency of mental health education for non-psychiatrist medical specialists in attracting public cooperation and the provision of mental health in the form of an urban cooperative model. The residents of districts 11, 16, and 18 in municipality area 6 of Tehran were considered as the covered community. 20 volunteers [as mental health contact], three individuals with master degree in clinical psychology or consultation, three psychiatrists, and 15 non-psychiatrist specialists [all from municipality area 6] comprised the subjects of the present study and voluntarily participated in this research. Data were gathered using quantitative [demographic questionnaires, specialists' survey, and mental health contact survey] as well as qualitative [registering observations and experiences] methods. Data analysis was done via SPSS-15 and using dependent t-test. The findings revealed that the scores of the volunteers and specialists changed from pretest to post-test [p