title: Evaluation of pigtail macaques as a model for the effects of copper intrauterine devices on HIV infection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Long-acting, hormonal contraception may increase HIV risk. Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) could serve as non-hormonal alternatives. We pilot a pigtail macaque model for evaluating HIV susceptibility factors during copper IUD use.
  
  
  METHODS
  Frameless and flexible GyneFix(®) copper IUDs were surgically implanted into three SHIVSF 162p3 -positive macaques via hysterotomy and monitored for up to 4 months. Four macaques served as non-IUD controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All animals retained the devices without complications. No consistent change in vaginal viral RNA or inflammatory cytokines was seen. Two animals had altered menstrual cycles and experienced marked thinning of vaginal epithelium after IUD insertion. Histological examination of uterine tissue at necropsy revealed endometrial ulceration and lymphocytic inflammation with glandular loss at sites of direct IUD contact.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the need for insertion surgery could limit its usefulness, this model will allow studies on copper IUDs and SHIV shedding, disease progression, and HIV susceptibility factors.
authors.affiliation: Animal Resources Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Robyn M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Engel
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Henning
authors.forename: Jana M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ritter
authors.forename: Tara L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ayers
authors.forename: Sundaram A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Vishwanathan
authors.forename: Leecresia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Sherif
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zaki
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wildemeersch
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Garber
authors.forename: Nathaniel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: R Michael
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Hendry
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McNicholl
authors.forename: Ellen N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Kersh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003267:Contraception; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV / Q000502:physiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008254:Macaca nemestrina / Q000276:immunology; D016097:Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D015302:Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014599:Uterus / Q000276:immunology; D017201:Virus Shedding
keywords: Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SHIV); contraception; non-human primate; susceptibility; transmission risk