[A study on the effects of rAd-gfp-bcl-X(L) on retinal degeneration in mice].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the therapeutic effect of rAd-gfp-bcl-X(L) on retinal degeneration (RD) in mice.


METHODS
rAd-gfp-bcl-X(L) granules were injected into the subretinal space of right eyes of RD mice in Group A (postnatal days 10, p10) and Group B (postnatal days 22, p22) (n = 20). The morphological changes were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy at 15 - 30 days post-injection. Frozen section was used to observe the expression of GFP. The level of bcl-X(L) mRNA and bcl-X(L) protein were assayed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry assay.


RESULTS
In frozen section, GFP was observed in the treated eyes under fluorescence microscopy, indicating that rAd-gfp-bcl-X(L) had transfected into the retinal cells successfully and that bcl-X(L) was expressed. In Group A, an increased expression of bcl-X(L) mRNA and Bcl-X(L) protein were observed in the treated eyes. The outer nuclear layer of the treated eyes in Group A was thicker than that of the control eyes at 30 days post-injection. The inner segment of treated eyes in Group A was healthier than that of control eyes, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy. No difference was found in the thickness of retina between treated eyes and control eyes in Group B.


CONCLUSIONS
The bcl-X(L) can be expressed and have an anti-apoptosis effect when the rAd-gfp-bcl-X(L) particles are injected into the subretinal space of RD mice's eyes at an early stage. But the expression and protective effects were not observed in RD mice at a later stage. The therapy of rAd-gfp-bcl-X(L) for retinal degenerative diseases still needs further study.
Luo
Yan
Y
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Tang
Shi-bo
SB
Li
Xiang-hong
XH
Li
Jia-qing
JQ
Lin
Shao-fen
SF
Lin
Jian-xian
JX
Zheng
Hu-ling
HL
D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D020419:Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / Q000187:drug effects*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000628:therapy*; D014162:Transfection; D051020:bcl-X Protein / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D051020:bcl-X Protein; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins