Evaluation of pigtail macaques as a model for the effects of copper intrauterine devices on HIV infection. Issue 5 (27th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Engel, Robyn M.; Morris, Monica; Henning, Tara; Ritter, Jana M.; Jones, Tara L.; Dietz, Sharon; Ayers, Jessica; Vishwanathan, Sundaram A.; Jenkins, Leecresia; Zaki, Sherif; Wildemeersch, Dirk; Garber, David; Powell, Nathaniel; Michael Hendry, R.; McNicholl, Janet; Kersh, Ellen N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical primatology. Volume 43:Issue 5(2014)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 359
• Publication Date: 2013-12-27
• Subjects: Primates -- Periodicals; Primates -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Medicine, Experimental -- Periodicals; 616.02738
• DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2565

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jmp12096-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jmp12096-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Long‐acting, hormonal contraception may increase HIV risk. Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) could serve as non‐hormonal alternatives. We pilot a pigtail macaque model for evaluating HIV susceptibility factors during copper IUD use.</p> </sec> <sec id="jmp12096-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Frameless and flexible GyneFix<sup>®</sup> copper IUDs were surgically implanted into three SHIV<sub>SF</sub><sub>162p3</sub>‐positive macaques via hysterotomy and monitored for up to 4 months. Four macaques served as non‐IUD controls.</p> </sec> <sec id="jmp12096-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>All animals retained the devices without complications. No consistent change in vaginal viral RNA or inflammatory cytokines was seen. Two animals had altered menstrual cycles and experienced marked thinning of vaginal epithelium after IUD insertion. Histological examination of uterine tissue at necropsy revealed endometrial ulceration and lymphocytic inflammation with glandular loss at sites of direct IUD contact.</p> </sec> <sec id="jmp12096-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Although the need for insertion surgery could limit its usefulness, this model will allow studies on copper IUDs and SHIV shedding, disease progression, and HIV susceptibility factors.</p> </sec> </abstract>