Cervical mucus penetration test for in vitro assay of vaginal contraceptive agents

An in vitro penetration test employing bovine cervical mucosa to evaluate vaginal contraceptives is presented. Its usefulness for the evaluation of the potency of a formulation in preventing sperm penetration was assessed by comparison of five commercially available preparations, with the use of both human and primate spermatozoa. The results were compared with those obtained with a spermicidal test (Sander-Cramer method) and in vivo with the use of the primate Macaca arctoides. Analysis of the two in vitro tests and the one in vivo test showed a significant degree of concurrence. The cervical mucus test much more closely reflected in vivo results than the Sander-Cramer test. A recommendation is made regarding the type and order of in vitro and in vivo methods to be used for the development and/or testing of new formulations.