Entry of inflammatory cells into the mouse vagina following application of candidate microbicides: comparison of detergent-based and sulfated polymer-based agents.
BACKGROUND
Because topical microbicides designed to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases may be applied frequently, it is important to ensure product safety as well as efficacy. A murine model was developed to test for induction of inflammatory responses following application of candidate microbicides.


OBJECTIVE
A comparison was made of the induction of inflammation following vaginal application of detergent-based and sulfated polymer-based microbicides.


METHODS
Vaginal leukocytes were collected, identified, and quantified following microbicide application to detect the entry of inflammatory leukocytes into the vaginal lumen.


RESULTS
Large numbers of neutrophils and macrophages entered the vaginal lumen following a single application of detergent-based microbicides. No significant increase in vaginal leukocytes was detected following a single or repeated application of sulfated polymer-based microbicides.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of sulfated polymer-based microbicides was less likely to result in inflammatory responses than was application of detergent-based compounds. This murine model should prove useful as part of a screening process to prioritize candidate microbicides before clinical trial.
Milligan
Gregg N
GN
Department of Pediatrics and the Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0436, USA. gnmillig@utmb.edu
Dudley
Kristen L
KL
Bourne
Nigel
N
Reece
Alisa
A
Stanberry
Lawrence R
LR
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002452:Cell Count; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D008264:Macrophages / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000473:pathology*; D017137:Nonoxynol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014621:Vagina / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; D017137:Nonoxynol; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate