This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This study hypothesizes that Carraguard, a non-contraceptive microbicidal (and antiviral) carrageenan derivative, may adhere to vaginal epithelial cells and not be flushed with one lavage. The primary objective is to determine how long Carraguard remains detectable in the vagina after initial application; the investigators will check (by lavage) for retention 1, 2, 3 and 24 hr after application. The secondary objective is to validate the assays used on vaginal lavage samples. The endpoints are the assays themselves and 'probing studies.' This is potentially an important way to control sexually transmitted diseases, and this approach is endorsed by the Population Council. It is important to learn whether the compound is not readily lavaged out. Interesting results have been obtained in mice.
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