Experimental Study of ex vivo Liposome-mediated Gene Transfer in Orthotopic Rat Left Lung Transplantation / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the feasibility of ex vivo liposome-mediated gene transfer ( Lac-Z gene ) to lung isografts and to get expression. Methods An orthotopic rat left lung transplant model was developed with the use of a modification of the “cuff” technique. 18 SD rats were divided into three groups randomly. Gene transfer group ( group 1 ) PSV-?-gal/ liposome ( Lipofectin R○ ) complex was transfered into the donor left lung via the left pulmonary vein route at the time of lung harvesting. Liposome group ( group 2 ) and Control group ( group 3 ) Grafts underwent the same procedure but received liposome and 0 9% saline solution respectively. Donor lungs were harvested one day after transplantation. The transgene expression of Lac-Z gene was detected by histochemical staining. Results Transgene expression of ?-gal in group 1 was detected in bronchial epithelial cells and alveolar epithelial cells. But no expression of ?-gal was found in groups 2 and 3. Conclusion Ex vivo plasmid vector/liposome complex-mediated gene transfer to lung isografts via the left pulmonary vein route is feasible. This study provides the scientific proof to the feasibility of functional gene therapy of complications such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, rejection and infection after rat lung transplantation.