Studies on safety aspects of contraceptive Magainin-A in rabbits

Abstract

We have previously reported the contraceptive potential of Magainin-A in rats and rabbits under <i>in vitro </i>and <i>in vivo </i>condition. In this report we evaluated the effect of Magainin-A on the structural organisation of vaginal epithelium in<i> </i>rabbits. The effect of this compound on the erythrocytes and its rate of absorption and clearance from systemic circulation<i> </i>was also studied. The effective contraceptive dose of Magainin-A (1 mg) when administered intra-vaginally for five<i> </i>consecutive days did not induce any structural or morphological abnormalities in vaginal epithelial cells. No adverse effect<i> </i>was observed on the erythrocytes. The rate of Magainin-A absorption and clearance from the circulation was found to be<i> </i>rapid. These results suggest that Magainin-A may be used as a safe intra-vaginal contraceptive compound in future.