Development of the Liver- and Lobe-Selective Nonviral Gene Transfer Following the Instillation of Naked Plasmid DNA Using Catheter on the Liver Surface in Mice

Purpose. The present study has undertaken the liver- and lobe-selective nonviral gene transfer following the instillation of naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) using catheter on the liver surface in mice.Methods. The polyethernylon catheter was inserted intraperitoneally through the abdominal wall and was retained on the surface of the liver right and left medial lobes. pDNA was administered through the catheter to the liver right and left medial lobes.Results. The luciferase levels produced in the applied liver lobes at 6 h after liver surface instillation of pDNA were significantly higher than those produced in other liver lobes and other tissues assayed, and ranged from approximately 5 folds higher in other lobes to 20-30 folds higher in other tissues. Following liver surface instillation of pDNA at a time from 2 to 24 h or at a volume from 15 to 60 l, the gene expressions of the applied liver lobes were always significantly higher than those of other liver lobes and other tissues.Conclusion. We have demonstrated the liver- and lobe-selective gene transfection following the instillation of naked pDNA using catheter on the liver surface in mice.