Fetal membranes act as a barrier for adenoviruses: gene transfer into exocoelomic cavity of rat fetuses does not affect cells in the fetus.
OBJECTIVE
In utero gene therapy has a potential to correct genetic disorders before the first clinical symptoms appear. Our aim was to examine whether the exocoelomic cavity between amniotic and chorionic membranes offers a minimally invasive route for gene transfer to the fetus during early pregnancy.


METHODS
We injected lacZ-adenovirus (4 x 10(9) pfu) during open surgery into the exocoelomic cavity of rat fetuses (n=50) and analyzed the fetuses and rat dams for transgene expression with X-gal staining and polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Giant cells around Reichert's membrane, the outermost extraembryonic membrane in rodents, were transduced; but no transduction was observed in the cells of the fetuses or rat dams.


CONCLUSIONS
In rodents, the exocoelomic cavity does not offer a route for gene transfer into the fetus. It was concluded that fetal membranes act as a barrier that prevents adenoviral particles from passing between embryonic cavities.
Laurema
Anniina
A
A. I. Virtanen Institute, University of Kuopio, Finland.
Vanamo
Kari
K
Heikkilä
Annaleena
A
Riekkinen
Mervi
M
Heinonen
Seppo
S
Ylä-Herttuala
Seppo
S
D000256:Adenoviridae; D000818:Animals; D002863:Chromogenic Compounds; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D005697:Galactosides; D015870:Gene Expression; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D007211:Indoles; D007763:Lac Operon; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014162:Transfection; D019076:Transgenes
D002863:Chromogenic Compounds; D005697:Galactosides; D007211:Indoles; C044888:5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl beta-galactoside