title: Direct gene transfer into the colon using a double-balloon catheter.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In spite of the many advances that have been made in understanding the molecular basis for diseases, a major obstacle to the treatment of human disorders remains the inability to express genes at specific sites in vivo. Recent progress in gene transfer technology has provided access to a variety of recombinant gene products that can be applied in clinical medicine for therapeutic purposes.
  
  
  METHODS
  In an animal model, we describe here the way in which a marker gene can be introduced into the colon using a double-balloon catheter. Cationic liposomes were used as vehicles to introduce DNA into the living organism. RSV-LacZ plasmid coding for the enzyme beta-galactosidase was used as a marker gene. Cells expressing beta-galactosidase can be stained using the chromogen X-gal. Positive cells show a blue coloration in the cytoplasm.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both absorptive cells and goblet cells were successfully transduced with the marker gene. No evidence of similar staining was observed in control animals receiving a control plasmid or liposomes alone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The method used is a simple, safe, and nontoxic way of delivering genes of interest to specific sites in the colon. Gene transfer may offer fresh potential for endoscopic interventions in colonic disease.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weidenbach
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liptay
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Adler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization; D003106:Colon; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D008081:Liposomes; D010957:Plasmids; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D008081:Liposomes