title: Pigtailed macaque model refinement: topical microbicide safety in the presence of coitus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Inclusion of sexual activity in the macaque model for topical microbicide safety evaluation would more closely mimic human use of topical microbicides and provide a more rigorous safety assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Initially, male-female partners were monitored in cohousing arrangements to determine whether macaques would copulate ad libitum. The logistics of performing vaginal examinations before and after coital visits were analyzed and optimized. Findings from cervicovaginal examinations conducted before and after sexual activity were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Coital activity was reliably observed in the majority of cohousing sessions, representing all phases of the menstrual cycle. Female macaques were trained to be restrained while fully alert for pre-coital vaginal sampling. Post-coital examinations occur under general sedation. Post-coital examinations reveal alterations to tissues, microbiology, and pH compared with pre-coital visits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This work clearly demonstrates that it is feasible to incorporate sexual activity in the macaque model for topical microbicide safety assessment.
authors: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors: Yvonne T Cosgrove
authors: YT
authors: Sweeney
authors: Ray O
authors: RO
authors: Angeles
authors: Peter K
authors: PK
authors: Cummings
authors: April D
authors: AD
authors: Smith
authors: Dorothy L
authors: DL
authors: Patton
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003307:Copulation; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D058869:Gynecological Examination / Q000662:veterinary*; D008254:Macaca nemestrina; D008297:Male; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014621:Vagina / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local