Preclinical evaluation of magainin-A as a contraceptive antimicrobial agent.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the safety and contraceptive efficacy of magainin-A in monkeys.

DESIGN:

Controlled laboratory study.

SETTING:

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

ANIMAL(S):

Male and female bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata).

INTERVENTION(S):

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.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):

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

RESULT(S):

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.

CONCLUSION(S):

Magainin-A can be used as an effective and safe intravaginal contraceptive compound with additional protection against sexually transmitted infection-causing pathogens.

• Authors: Aranha Clara, Dhananjay D Manjramkar, Venkatarami K Reddy
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 81 Issue 5 Pg. 1357-65 (May 2004) ISSN: 0015-0282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15136102 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
• Spermatocidal Agents
• magainin A

Topics

• Animals
• Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides (pharmacology, toxicity)
• Female
• Macaca radiata
• Male
• Menstrual Cycle (drug effects)
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests
• Sperm Motility (drug effects)
• Spermatocidal Agents (pharmacology)