Topical gene transfer into rat skin using electroporation.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether electroporation can be used for topical gene delivery and for DNA expression in rat keratinocytes.


METHODS
The localization of a fluorescent-labelled plasmid and the expression of a reporter gene (pEGFP-N1) coding for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in stripped skin were assessed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM).


RESULTS
The plasmid penetrated into the epidermis within minutes after electroporation and entered the keratinocyte cytoplasm within hours. A localized expression of GFP was observed for at least 7 days in the epidermis. Skin viability was not compromised by electroporation.


CONCLUSIONS
Electroporation enhances the delivery, and hence the expression, of topically applied plasmid DNA on the skin. It could be a promising alternative method to administer DNA, particularly for DNA vaccines, in the skin in vivo.
Dujardin
N
N
Unité de Pharmacie Galénique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
Van Deŕ Smissen
P
P
Préat
V
V
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D004058:Diffusion; D018274:Electroporation / Q000379:methods*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D017930:Genes, Reporter / Q000502:physiology; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D007202:Indicators and Reagents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010957:Plasmids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins