[In vitro transfer of genes in spinal tissue].
BACKGROUND
It is well known that cytokines are involved in the induction of intervertebral disc and articular cartilage destruction. Therapeutic proteins are of great potential as locally produced drugs after transfer of their cognate genes to the sites of interest.


METHODS
Chondrocytic cells from bovine os coccygis and discal chondrocytes from 6 wistar rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. The bacterial beta-galactosidase (LacZ) gene and the cDNA of the human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were introduced into the cells by retrovirus mediated gene transfer. LacZ activity was determined by Xgal staining, IL-1ra protein was determined by ELISA.


RESULTS
Our study confirms that isolation and cultivation of bovine chondrocytic end plate cells and of rat discal cells in possible. Transfer of both LacZ and of the IL-1ra cDNA to cultured cells was successfull.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of exogenous therapeutical genes into cells from the intervertebral disc and the end plate opens the possibility for a local gene therapy of IVD degeneration. This therapy has the potential to be specific, effective and appropriate to the chronicity of the disease.
Reinecke
J A
JA
Orthogen Gentechnologie GmbH, Düsseldorf.
Wehling
P
P
Robbins
P
P
Evans
C H
CH
Sager
M
M
Schulze-Allen
G
G
Koch
H
H
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000502:physiology; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000166:cytology; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000628:therapy*; D007763:Lac Operon / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins / Q000235:genetics
D018076:DNA, Complementary; C507763:IL1RN protein, human; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D007375:Interleukin-1; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins