New approaches to female contraception

Abstract

As a novel approach for new non-hormonal contraceptives for women, we have identified a number of endometrial proteins that are produced maximally during the phase of uterine receptivity in women and whose action is absolutely required for implantation in mice. These are the protease, proprotein convertase 6 (PC6), and the gp130 cytokines, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin 11 (IL-11). Novel protein/peptide inhibitors of these molecules have been tested for their effectiveness at inhibiting pregnancy in mice following administration intraperitoneally, intravaginally or via vaginal gel. Following administration, all were identified as reaching their site of action in the endomet..