Vaginal administration of insulin

Different drug delivery systems have been proposed for vaginal delivery of peptides and proteins. The first one was a mucoadhesive gel based on polyacrylic acid intended for vaginal administration of insulin [96]. More recently, microparticulate systems such as starch and hyaluronan ester (HYAFF) microspheres have been proposed for vaginal delivery of insulin... 

Rapid dose-related changes in the plasma glucose and insulin levels have been demonstrated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and rabbits, after vaginal administration of insulin suspended in a poly(acrylate) aqueous gel (0.1%, pH 6.5). 

Degim Z, Degim T, Acarturk F, et al. (2005). Rectal and vaginal administration of insulin-chitosan formulations An experimental study in rabbits. J. Drug. Target. 13 563-572. 

Co-administration of insulin with the nonionic surface active agent, Cetomacrogol 1,000, in a PEG 400 base has been shown to lower blood glucose when administered vaginally to female rats with streptozocin-... 

Microspheres prepared from hyaluronan esters have been evaluated for the vaginal administration of calcitonin in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Microspheres prepared from hyaluronan esters have also been used experimentally as delivery devices for nerve growth factors, and as a nasal delivery system for insulin. ... 

The ocular, buccal, rectal, and vaginal routes of administration all have inherent limitations and serious drawbacks for delivery of insulin and therefore are highly unlikely to be of any use for chronic insulin therapy. 

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