title: Delivery of DNA into the central nervous system via electroporation.
abstract: Electroporation of non-viral plasmid DNA is a valuable tool to alter gene expression in the adult central nervous system. It offers a number of advantages over viral gene delivery as non-viral plasmids can integrate larger inserts and reduce the risk of inducing unintended immunological responses. Generally, electroporation of the adult brain is accomplished in rodents by applying high-amplitude voltage-controlled pulses through the entire brain with plate electrodes surrounding the animal's head. Here, we describe an alternative electroporation protocol making use of current-controlled low-amplitude pulses that are delivered locally by means of needlelike electrodes in the brain of adult mice. This allows altering gene expression in very-well-defined areas of the brain while inducing minimal tissue damage.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
authors: Jochen
authors: J
authors: De Vry
authors: Tim
authors: T
authors: Vanmierlo
authors: Pilar
authors: P
authors: Martínez-Martínez
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Losen
authors: Yasin
authors: Y
authors: Temel
authors: Harry
authors: H
authors: Steinbusch
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: De Baets
authors: Jos
authors: J
authors: Prickaerts
mesh_terms: D000698:Analgesia; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D018274:Electroporation / Q000379:methods*; D007267:Injections; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014162:Transfection / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA