Oral contraceptives that contain ethinyl estradiol (0.035 mg) and cyproterone acetate (2 mg) inhibit leukocyte transmigration through endothelial cell monolayers.

To investigate the influence of ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate in oral contraceptives on leukocyte migration through endothelial cell monolayers. Experimental in vitro prospective study. An academic research laboratory. Endothelial cells were cultured on microporous membranes to produce monolayers. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were used in a previously described migration assay (n = 7). The amount of untreated polymorphonuclear leukocytes that migrated through untreated endothelial cell monolayers was used as a control and set at 100%. In addition, a leukocyte adhesion assay was used. Leukocyte adhesion to and transmigration through endothelial cell monolayers. Ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate inhibited the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes through endothelial cell monolayers significantly (67% +/- 6.4%) when both cell types were treated to simulate in vivo conditions. The adhesion assay produced similar results. Ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate were identified as potent inhibitors of leukocyte migration through endothelial cell monolayers.