A simple technique to establish a long-term adenovirus mediated gene transfer to the heart of newborn mice.
Previous studies using different techniques have shown that adenoviral-mediated gene transfer to different tissues, including the kidney, is more efficient in neonatal mice. In this study, we report a simple technique that allows an efficient and long term expression of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) in the heart of newborn mice. Newborn and adult C57BL6/J mice were subjected to a single retro-orbital venous plexus injection of recombinant adenoviral vectors (rAd) (2 x 10(9) particles/g body weight) carrying the lac Z gene. Seven days after the injection, positive beta-gal staining was systematically observed in the heart, lung, intestine, liver, kidney and spleen of newborn mice. However, only the heart showed persistent expression of beta-gal one year after the initial injection. In contrast, adult mice showed only significant but transient beta-gal expression mainly in the liver. In summary, we have found that a single retro-orbital intravenous injection can be used to establish a long-term adenoviral-mediated gene transfer to cardiac cells of newborn mice.
Jerebtsova
Marina
M
Center for Molecular Physiology, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Ye
Xuehai
X
Ray
Patricio E
PE
D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007763:Lac Operon; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009206:Myocardium / Q000201:enzymology*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000201:enzymology; D019076:Transgenes; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D001616:beta-Galactosidase