Deslorelin (acetate) (Synonyms: D-Trp6-Pro9-des-Gly10-GnRH ethylamide, pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHEt)

Deslorelin is a peptide agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).¹ It binds to the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) with a K_i value of 0.1 nM. Deslorelin decreases testicular volume, semen volume, sperm motility, and total sperm count, as well as increases the percentage of abnormal sperm, in dogs when administered via a subcutaneous implant at doses of 3, 6, and 12 mg/kg.² It decreases disease severity and plasma levels of estradiol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione in ferrets with adrenocortical disease (ACD) when administered at doses ranging from 3 to 4.41 mg/kg per implant.³ Deslorelin (4.7 mg/implant per animal) suppresses ovulation and estrus in cats.⁴ Formulations containing deslorelin have been used in the management of ACD in ferrets and ovulation regulation and artificial insemination in horses.

1.Nederpelt, I., Georgi, V., Schiele, F., et al.Characterization of 12 GnRH peptide agonists - a kinetic perspectiveBr. J. Pharmacol.173(1)128-141(2016) 2.Junaidi, A., Williamson, P.E., Martin, G.B., et al.Dose-response studies for pituitary and testicular function in male dogs treated with the GnRH superagonist, deslorelinReprod. Domest. Anim.44(5)725-734(2009) 3.Wagner, R.A., PichÉ, C.A., JÖchle, W., et al.Clinical and endocrine responses to treatment with deslorelin acetate implants in ferrets with adrenocortical diseaseAm. J. Vet. Res.66(5)910-914(2005) 4.Ackermann, C.L., Volpato, R., Destro, F.C., et al.Ovarian activity reversibility after the use of deslorelin acetate as a short-term contraceptive in domestic queensTheriogenology78(4)817-822(2012)