Preclinical evaluation of magainin-A as a contraceptive antimicrobial agent.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and contraceptive efficacy of magainin-A in monkeys.


METHODS
Controlled laboratory study.


METHODS
Department of Immunology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, India.


METHODS
Male and female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata).


METHODS
Animals were treated intravaginally with 1 mg of magainin-A before attempted conception, as well as daily for 14 days to assess local and systemic toxicity.


METHODS
Suitability of magainin-A for the control of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.


RESULTS
Complete sperm immobilization was observed within 20 seconds after the exposure to magainin-A (800-1,000 microg) in vitro. Intravaginal administration of 1 mg of magainin-A blocked conception in monkeys. When magainin-A was administered intravaginally for 14 consecutive days, no treatment-related abnormalities were observed in menstrual cycle length, vaginal epithelial cell morphology, and hematologic/serum biochemical profiles. The peptide inhibited the growth of sexually transmitted infection-causing pathogens but not HIV-1 and HIV-2.


CONCLUSIONS
Magainin-A can be used as an effective and safe intravaginal contraceptive compound with additional protection against sexually transmitted infection-causing pathogens.
Clara
Aranha
A
Immunology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, India.
Manjramkar
Dhananjay D
DD
Reddy
Venkatarami K
VK
D000818:Animals; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D008255:Macaca radiata; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents; C067773:magainin A