Controlled vaginal delivery of antibodies in the mouse

Biol Reprod. 1992 Jul;47(1):133-40. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod47.1.133.

Abstract

Controlled delivery of monoclonal antibodies to the mucus secretions of the vagina might provide women with passive immunoprotection against both sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. We have developed intravaginal devices composed of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVAc) that continuously release IgG antibodies for over 30 days into buffered saline, and we have tested these devices in the vagina of mice. Polymeric devices containing either BSA (as a test reagent for proteins) or anti-hCG antibody, when inserted into the vaginas of mice, provided a continuous supply of either BSA or hCG-binding antibodies to the vaginal mucus for 30 days. Antibodies released by the devices achieved high concentration in the mucus within the lumen of the vagina, but did not significantly ascend into the uterine horns, as determined by epifluorescence microscopy of fluorescently labeled mouse IgG and by immunohistochemical localization of rabbit IgG. Our results suggest that long-term intravaginal delivery of functionally intact antibodies can be achieved with devices composed of EVAc.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / immunology
  • Contraceptive Devices, Female
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Immunoglobulin G / administration & dosage
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Polymers
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Vagina / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Polymers