HOX-GFP and WOX-GFP lentivirus vectors for inner ear gene transfer.
CONCLUSIONS
GFP transgene was expressed in the lining cells of the perilymphatic space. Lentivirus vectors are safe and cause only minimal inflammatory reaction. Transgene products can be delivered into the perilymph by utilizing lentivirus vectors.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze the efficiency and safety of lentiviral vectors HOX-GFP and WOX-GFP in intracochlear gene transfer.


METHODS
Lentivirus vectors were tested for their transduction efficiency in vivo in CD-1 mice. Half of the animals were pretreated with kanamycin. Lentivirus vector or saline (1 microl) was injected into the inner ear. All the animals were sacrificed 14 days after the surgery and the cochleae and selected organs were analyzed immunohistochemically.


RESULTS
HOX-GFP and WOX-GFP expression was restricted to the lining cells of the scala tympani and scala vestibuli. No GFP expression was seen in the organ of Corti or the spiral ganglion. Aminoglycoside treatment had no effect on the expression of these vectors. The distant spread of lentivirus vectors was minimal; only the liver of one animal showed some GFP expression. Inflammatory reaction caused by these vectors was mild. Few inflammatory cells were found in the perilymphatic space of the cochlea and in the vestibular organ.
Pietola
Laura
L
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki.
Aarnisalo
Antti A
AA
Joensuu
Joonas
J
Pellinen
Riikka
R
Wahlfors
Jarmo
J
Jero
Jussi
J
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003051:Cochlea / Q000378:metabolism*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D007612:Kanamycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D016086:Lentivirus; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D014161:Transduction, Genetic
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D007612:Kanamycin