Effect of vaginally administered (Ala 8,13,18)-magainin II amide on the morphology of implantation stage endometrium in the rhesus monkey ( Macaca mulatta)

Abstract

Intravaginal administration of an anti-microbial agent, (Ala 8,13,18)-magainin II amide, during blastocyst implantation inhibits pregnancy establishment in a dose-related manner in the rhesus monkey ( Macaca mulatta). In the present study, mated female rhesus monkeys were vaginally inserted with tampons containing vehicle (Group 1; n = 5) and test agent (magainin, 0.5 mg/animal; Group 2; n = 6) on cycle day 20. Endometrial tissue samples were collected on Cycle Day 24 from all monkeys and processed for morphometric and ultrastructural analysis. Concentrations of estradiol-17β, progesterone, and chorionic gonadotrophin in peripheral circulation were determined, which revealed that two monkeys in Group 1 were pregnant while no animals were pregnant in Group 2. Endometrial morphology, however, revealed histologic evidence of pregnancy in three out of the six magainin-treated animals. It appears that intra-vaginal administration of magainin II amide had a marginal effect on the implantation stage endometrium and the initiation of the implantation process in the rhesus monkey.