Entry of Inflammatory Cells Into the Mouse Vagina Following Application of Candidate Microbicides

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Abstract
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. A comparison was made of the induction of inflammation following vaginal application of detergent-based and sulfated polymer-based microbicides. Vaginal leukocytes were collected, identified, and quantified following microbicide application to detect the entry of inflammatory leukocytes into the vaginal lumen. 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. 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.

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