Deslorelin is an injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist which is currently licensed in certain countries for long-term suppression of fertility, or reproduction-control drug in dogs and ferrets [1; 2]. Moreover, deslorelin acetate is used in reproductive management across various species , and stops the production of sex hormones . Deslorelin acetate, also currently marketed as Suprelorin, is a subcutaneous implant which is designed to stop fertility and suppress libido in male dogs . Moreover, Suprelorin is currently legal for male dog contraception in Australia, New Zealand and the European Union.
How it works
Deslorelin is considered a nona-peptide analogue or ‘version’ of another compound called gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), and it GnRH is produced in the brain . There are a series of steps within the brain and other systems which ensure the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) . Once these processes have occurred, FSH then promotes follicles in the ovaries to grow and consequently release estrogen; LH goes on to stimulate these follicles which enables them to develop further. Moreover, estrogen inhibit or ‘prevent the release of GnRH by the hypothalamus, and also inhibit the release of FSH and LH in the pituitary gland . What this does, from the entire processes of this system, is create a negative-feedback loop which ensures overall that ovulation is avoided during pregnancy .
Figure 1. Deslorelin is also known as an LHRH agonist, and works by stopping the production of sex hormones. In veterinary medicine it is also known as Ovuplant, SucroMate and Suprelorin. Furthermore, deslorelin is a GnRH agonist or ‘version’, and when given in a single dose can readily stimulate the release of FSH and LH, thus inducing ovulation .