Animal models of contraception: utility and limitations

• Main Authors: Liechty ER, Bergin IL, Bell JD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2015-04-01
• Series: Open Access Journal of Contraception
• Online Access: http://www.dovepress.com/animal-models-of-contraception-utility-and-limitations-peer-reviewed-article-OAJC

Emma R Liechty,1 Ingrid L Bergin,1 Jason D Bell2 1Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, 2Program on Women's Health Care Effectiveness Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Abstract: Appropriate animal modeling is vital for the successful development of novel contraceptive devices. Advances in reproductive biology have identified novel pathways for contraceptive intervention. Here we review species-specific anatomic and physiologic considerations impacting preclinical contraceptive testing, including efficacy testing, mechanistic studies, device design, and modeling off-target effects. Emphasis is placed on the use of nonhuman primate models in contraceptive device development. Keywords: nonhuman primate, preclinical, in vivo, contraceptive devices