# EFFECT OF REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES ON GENITAL INFECTIONS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS · 1989 · $151,419

## Abstract

It is proposed to investigate the effect of reproductive hormones on
genital infections in studies involving selected agents that cause sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) using the guinea pig as the animal model
system.  Emphasis will be placed on extending findings in the applicant's
laboratory concerning the effect of estradiol on experimental genital
infection of female guinea pigs by the chlamydial agent of guinea pig
inclusion conjunctivitis (GPIC).  Treatment with estradiol was found to
markedly influence the course of infection producing infections of greater
intensity that lasted considerably longer than control animals and resulted
in ascending infection with endometritis, cystic salpingitis and cystitis.
Projects will include determining the effect of varying concentrations of
estradiol, role of systemic and local immune response, attempts to produce
response by endogenously produced estradiol and effect of estradiol on
growth of GPIC in vitro.  Other hormones (progesterone, estrone) will be
investigated and experiments simulating oral contraceptives using synthetic
hormones will be undertaken.  For comparative purposes the effect of
estradiol on genital tract infection will be examined for two other STD
agents, guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV), a virus and Candida albicans,
an extracellular eukaryotic yeast.  Evaluation of response to hormone
treatment in animals will involve determination of shedding of the agent,
by isolation, altered pathogenesis (necropsy and histopathology), immune
response (antibody response in serum and genital secretions using indirect
immunofluorescence) and hormone levels in plasma (radioimmunoassay).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128906
- **Project number:** 5R01AI019575-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS
- **SAM.gov UEI:** VDFYLZPJEAV6
- **Principal Investigator:** ALMEN L. BARRON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $151,419
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-03-01 → 1990-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128906

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128906, EFFECT OF REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES ON GENITAL INFECTIONS (5R01AI019575-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128906. Licensed CC0.

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