[Direct gene transfer into rabbit peripheral nerve in vivo].
OBJECTIVE
To probe the possibility of direct transfer of exogenous gene into peripheral nerve and its following expression in vivo.


METHODS
The PCMV beta plasmid containing cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), beta-Galactosidease (beta-Gal) structural gene (lacZ gene) was constructed and injected into the rabbit sciatic nerve. The control group was injected PBS solution. The injected nerves were sampled and tested by beta-Gal enzyme activity assay of the 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactoside and beta-Gal histochemical stain.


RESULTS
In the control group, no beta-Gal enzyme activity was detected in the different stages after operation, and beta-Gal histochemical stains showed positive. In the experimental group, enzyme activity could be detected from 2 days to 30 days after operation, and the histochemical stains showed negative.


CONCLUSIONS
The exogenous gene can be transferred into peripheral nerve and expressed with bioactivity, thus the gene therapy to accelerate the recovery of nerve is practical.
Zhang
S Q
SQ
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P. R. China, 050051. zhangshiqiang@hotmail.com
Zhang
J Q
JQ
Xu
X L
XL
D000818:Animals; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000235:genetics; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D007763:Lac Operon / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011817:Rabbits; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000378:metabolism*; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D001616:beta-Galactosidase