Transient inhibition of fertility in mice immunized with VEGFR-2 mRNA–transfected DCs. Mice were immunized with DCs electroporated with actin or VEGF or VEGFR-2 mRNA 3 times at weekly intervals as described in Figure 3. One week (A) and 8 weeks (B) after the final immunization, mice were mated with nonimmunized male mice. This was done in triads (2 females to 1 male per cage). Number of pups delivered by each female mouse was recorded by the date of birth, and the pups were examined for signs of sickness and abnormality and their weight after weaning was recorded. Data shown represent pups born per cage (2 female mice per cage) over a period of 4 months. (A) Relative to the control actin immunized group, P values were .65 and .03 for DC + VEGF mRNA and DC + VEGFR-2 mRNA, respectively. There were no significant differences in the weights of the pups born. Average weight of 5 pups for the DC + actin mRNA group was 75 to 95 g, DC + VEGF mRNA group was 79 to 92 g, and DC + VEGFR-2 mRNA group was 100 g. (B) Relative to the control actin immunized group, P values were .88 and .44 for DC + VEGF mRNA and DC + VEGFR-2 mRNA, respectively. Average weight of 5 pups for the DC + actin mRNA group was 75 to 95 g, DC + VEGF mRNA group was 85 to 92 g, and DC + VEGFR-2 mRNA group was 85 to 100 g. Columns represent average number of pups per cage; each circle represents number of pups per cage.