Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Chimpanzees Using the Nonhuman Primate Pregnancy Test Kit

Abstract

The usefulness of The Nonhuman Primate Pregnancy Test kit for diagnosis of pregnancy in chimpanzees was determined. This hemagglutination inhibition test for urinary chorionic gonadotropin accurately indicated conception by positive responses in 151 of 153 specimens collected between 20 and 133 days after the estimated day of fertilization. The rate of false positive responses did not exceed 1 %.

Antigenic Similarities to HCG Subunits among Chorionic Gonadotropins of Nonhuman Primates

“…In fact, previous reports clearly establish cross-reactivity of some anti-HCG sera with the chorionic gonadotropins of baboons [19], macaques [19,22], and marmosets [9]. Similarly, we have reported the universally high degree of cross-reactivity of an antiserum to the ß-subunit of ovine luteinizing hormone with the chorionic gonadotropins of all these nonhuman primates [11][12][13][14], The apparent contradictions are resolved when one considers that the antigenic determinants recognized vary depending on the probability of achieving detectable cross-reactivity. Also, the antigenic re sponse among individuals vaires even with the same antigen.…”

Reproduction and Breeding of Nonhuman Primates

“…Collecting aliquots of freshly voided urine gives the most satisfactory result because it minimizes the time and collection of samples in addition to urine debris. This test became the method of choice for routine breeding management situations and has been used successfully in rhesus (Hodgen and Ross, 1974) and long-tailed macaques (Boot and Huisin't Veld, 1981), baboons (Hodgen and Niemann, 1975), and chimpanzees (Hodgen et al, 1976). Both false-positive and false-negative tests are reported, due in part to the variability in urinary macaque CG excretion from animal to animal.…”

Pregnancy Diagnosis in Squirrel Monkeys: Hemagglutination Test, Radioimmunoassay, and Bioassay of Chorionic Gonadotropin

“…The Nonhuman Primate Pregnancy Test kit has been used for diagnosis of pregnancy in macaques [4], baboons [2, 5], marmosets [9], chimpanzees [2, 10, 15], orangutans [2, 11, 15] and gorillas [2]. This hemagglutination inhibition test for urinary chorionic gonadotropin uses an antiserum (H‐26) to the β‐subunit of ovine luteinizing hormone which cross‐reacts [4] with the chorionic gonadotropins of a variety of primates and provides results within two hours using neat urine.…”