CD68 and HIV-1 infection: Similarly, DMPA has been demonstrated to significantly increase CD68+ macrophages in the ectocervix and vaginal mucosa of NHPs, even above levels observed during the luteal phase (progesterone high) of the menstrual cycle8, suggesting this may be the reason DMPA-treated Hu-mice are more susceptible to HIV-1 infection than those challenged during diestrus (progesterone high).