In vivo application of MZC does not compromise epithelial integrity or increase HSV-2 susceptibility.

A) HSV-2 enhancement model. Balb/C mice (n = 40 per group) were depo-treated 7 d before starting vaginal application of each formulation daily for 7 d, followed by HSV-2 G challenge 12 h post-last gel. Percent of uninfected animals over time is shown (*P<0.05 vs. D-PBS, Fisher's exact test). B) Epithelial integrity testing. Depo-treated (vaginal dosing) and fasted (rectal dosing) mice were treated with MZC, D-PBS, or Gynol II. At 1, 6 and 24 h post-application, mice were euthanized, and the entire reproductive or rectal tract was surgically excised for morphological analysis. Pictures (20× magnification) are representative of six sections from two to three animals per group.