ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the survival of myoblasts carrying hIGF-1 gene transplanted into the mice, and the expression of hIGF-1 in the transplanted mice. Methods Eighty four male C3H mice(20～30g,7～11w)were divided into four groups: group A, B, C and D (20 mice each group), and the remaining four mice were used as normal control. At the middle of the right gastrocnemius muscle, the mice in group A and B were injected with 1?10~6 myoblasts either carried with or without hIGF-1 gene. Muscle contusion at the middle of the right gastrocnemius muscle of the mice in group C and D was produced. At day 3 following injury, they were injected with 1?10~6 myoblasts either carried with hIGF-1 gene (group C) or without hIGF-1 gene (group D). At the day 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 after injection, four mice of each group were sacrificed randomly. BrdU staining in all mice were performed to evaluate cells surviving, and the expression level of hIGF-1 in group A and C was assessed by immunohistochemical staining and real-time-PCR. Results The BrdU staining in both normal and injured mice transplanted with myoblast carried with or without hIGF-1 were positive. hIGF-1 was expressed and secreted in both group A and C. Conclusion The myoblast carrying hIGF-1 gene transplanted into normal or injured mice can survive for a certain period of time, and can secrete hIGF-1.