心包腔内注入腺病毒-血管内皮生长因子165基因治疗心肌缺血的实验研究

目的:探讨经心包腔途径转染血管新生基因对缺血心肌的血管生成及舒缩功能的影响。方法:第一部分:随机将12头中国小型猪分为实验组和对照组,每组6头。两组猪均采用球囊堵塞前降支第一对角支远端以建立心肌梗死模型,心肌梗死模型建立后即刻,采用经皮剑突下穿刺方法,将中心静脉导管插入心包腔内转染Ad-LacZ。以胶原酶1200 u及透明质酸酶3000u预处理心包后,在心包腔内注射含Ad-LacZ基因2.0×109pfu。对照组心包腔内注射生理盐水。分别于注射后3天、7天及28天处死动物,对缺血心肌进行染色及病理观察。第二部分:随机将20头中国小型猪分为实验组和对照组,每组10头,每组又分3天(n=2)、7天(n=6)及28天(n=6)三个亚组。注射后3天、7天及28天分别用免疫组化、超声心动图对缺血心肌血管新生情况进行检测,并以酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测血浆、心包及心肌组织中Ad-VEGF165的表达。第三部分:20头小型猪随机分为心包转染组(心包组)和冠脉转染组(冠脉组)。心包组和冠脉组均注射Ad-VEGF1651.0 ml(2×109pfu),于注射前及其后3、7、28天分别测定组织内VEGF水平、微血管密度(MVD)、心功能。结果:①实验组注射Ad-LacZ基因后第3天、第7天及28天后X-gal染色有阳性细胞,以第7天最明显,对照组无阳性细胞。②Ad-VEGF165基因经心包腔转染缺血心肌组织后,在心包及组织中成高表达,于7天达到高峰,28天降至基线水平,血浆中无目的基因的表达;28天时,实验组缺血心肌微血管密度(MVD)、心功能均明显高于对照组[MVD,517.0±75.7/mm2vs 226.5±54.1/mm2,P=0.009;LVEF72.11±5.2%vs 55.14±4.37%,P=0.005]。③心包组和冠脉组的心脏均表达有VEGF165基因,组织内VEGF水平在7天时达高峰,28天时降至基线水平,前组高于后组(702±85pg/ml vs 592±59 pg/ml,P=0.026)。而两组的MVD、心功能随转染时间延长均明显增加,但心包组优于冠脉组(28d,MVD,517.0±75.7/mm2vs 326.4±24.1/mm2,P=0.001;FS,32.9±2.2%vs 30.6±2.1%,P=0.049;LVEF,72.11±5.2%vs 65.87±2.16%,P=0.034)。结论:①应用球囊堵塞法可成功建立猪急性心肌梗死模型,胶原酶及透明质酸酶预处理心包后,腺病毒载体可转染缺血心肌,并持续表达4周。②用胶原酶及透明质酸酶预处理心包腔后,经其转染Ad-VEGF165可以诱导急性心肌梗死模型局部VEGF蛋白表达,促进缺血心肌组织血管新生并能改善心功能。③导管介导的心包腔与冠脉转染Ad-VEGF165基因治疗心肌缺血是有效的、切实可行的,而前者可能是更有前途的新方法。     

经鼠中心静脉途径注射重组腺病毒的基因转染效率及靶向性

目的：探讨经中心静脉途径注射外源基因在大鼠体内不同组织的表达及靶向性。 方法:将重组腺病毒AdLacZ经中心静脉途径导入SD大鼠体内,以X-gal染色法检测腺病毒介导的标识基因（LacZ）在大鼠体内的表达部位和时间。结果:注射AdLacZ（1×109pfu/mL）后1d,大鼠肺、肝、肾、脾组织即有少量表达。3d后大鼠肺、肝、肾、脾组织LacZ基因表达明显,7d时达高峰,14d开始下降,28d基本消失。肺组织,第3,7,14,21d,LacZ基因明显高于其他组织（P<0.05）,脑组织始终未见表达。结论:腺病毒携带的外源基因,经中心静脉途径给药,可能是肺、肝、肾等疾病基因治疗的有效途径,尤其适用于肺部疾病的基因治疗。     

经周围静脉途径转移的外源基因在大鼠体内的表达

目的 :探讨经周围静脉注射的外源基因在大鼠体内不同组织的表达。方法 :将重组LacZ腺病毒经尾静脉注射导入Wistar大鼠体内 ,以X gal染色法明确腺病毒载体介导的标识基因 (LacZ)在大鼠体内的表达部位和时间。结果 :β gal表达具有剂量依赖性 ,而且存在器官、组织和细胞 3种水平的表达差异。剂量较小时 ,肺、肾、肝、脾优先表达 ,而心肌在 1× 10 1 1 pfu·kg- 1 剂量组才有少量表达 ,大血管和脑组织始终未见表达。注射后 1～ 2周 ,大鼠的肾、肺、肝、脾、肾上腺高表达 β 半乳糖苷酶 ,3～ 4周表达量减少 ,5周基本消失。结论 :腺病毒介导的外源基因经静脉途径转移 ,可能是肾、肺、肝的部分疾病基因治疗的有效基因转移途径     

GENE TRANSFER INTO PORCINE MYOCARDIUM VIA PERICARDIAL CAVITY BY HOMEMADE EASY PUNCTURE DEVICE

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of gene transfer into porcine myocardium via the pericardial cavity by a homemade easy device. Methods Replication-deficient recombinant adenoviral vector carrying LacZ report gene (Ad-LacZ) was constructed by the calcium phosphate precipitation method. Twelve healthy Chinese mini-swine were randomly divided into experimental group (n=6) and control group (n=6). Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model was established by balloon occlusion of the distal part of D1 branch of left anterior descending (LAD) artery, at the same time the intra-pericardial cavity injections were performed through the small incision of the abdominal wall below the xyphoid appendix using a homemade device. Then gene transfer was performed using a central venous catheter. The pericardium was pretreated with injection of a mixture of collagenase (1 200 U) and hyaluronidase (3 000 U) in both groups. Then 2.0×109 plaque formation unit (PFU) Ad-LacZ was injected into the pericardial cavity in experimental group, while 1 mL of normal saline was injected in the control group. The β-galactosidase activity detection and X-gal staining of the ischemic myocardium were performed on the 3rd, 7th, and 28th day after injection. Results The LAD artery was occluded completely and infarction and ischemia were detected by histological assessment. In experimental group, the X-gal staining positive cells and β-galactosidase activity quantification were detectable on the 3rd day after injection, increased markedly on the 7th day, and then declined on the 28th day. The transfer efficiencies indicated by the positive myocardial cells were 16.7%, 45.6%, 22.8% on the 3rd, 7th, 28th day, respectively. In control group, no positive cells and β-galactosidase activity were observed. Conclusion Adenovirus can be transferred into ischemic myocardium and express target gene in the AMI model for four weeks with the homemade easy device via pericardial cavity pretreated by collagenase and hyaluronidase.     

腺病毒携带的LacZ基因静脉注射后在大鼠体内的表达

目的 :探讨周围静脉注射的腺病毒载体介导的外源基因在体内不同组织的表达。方法 :将重组LacZ腺病毒经尾静脉注射导入Wistar大鼠体内 ,以X -gal染色法明确腺病毒载体介导的标识基因 (LacZ)在大鼠体内的表达部位和时间。结果 :β- gal表达具有剂量依赖性 ,而且存在器官、组织和细胞三种水平的表达差异。剂量较小时 ,肺、肾、肝、脾优先表达 ,而心肌在 1× 1 0 1 1 pfu/kg剂量组才有少量表达 ,大血管和脑组织始终未见表达。注射后 1～ 2周 ,大鼠的肾、肺、肝、脾、肾上腺高表达 β -半乳糖苷酶 ,3～ 4周表达量减少 ,5周基本消失。 结论 :腺病毒介导的外源基因经静脉途径转移 ,可能是肾、肺、肝的部分疾病基因治疗的有效基因转移途径 ,而对心脑血管疾病不适合。     

GENE TRANSFER INTO PORCINE MYOCARDIUM VIA PERICARDIAL CAVITY BY HOMEMADE EASY PUNCTURE DEVICEA

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of gene transfer into porcine myocardium via the pericardial cavity by a homemade easy device.Methods Replication-deficient recombinant adenoviral vector carrying LacZ report gene (Ad-LacZ) was constructed by the calcium phosphate precipitation method. Twelve healthy Chinese mini-swine were randomly divided into experimental group (n = 6) and control group (n =6). Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model was established by balloon occlusion of the distal part of D[ branch of left anterior descending (LAD) artery, at the same time the intra-pericardial cavity injections were performed through the small incision of the abdominal wall below the xyphoid appendix using a homemade device. Then gene transfer was performed using a central venous catheter. The pericardium was pre-treated with injection of a mixture of collagenase (1 200 U) and hyaluronidase (3 000 U) in both groups. Then 2. 0 × 109 plaque formation unit (PFU) Ad-LacZ was injected into the pericardial cavity in experimental group, while 1 mL of normal saline was injected in the control group. The p-galactosidase activity detection and X-gal staining of the ischemic myocardium were performed on the 3rd, 7th, and 28th day after injection.Results The LAD artery was occluded completely and infarction and ischemia were detected by histological assessment In experimental group, the X-gal staining positive cells and (3-galactosidase activity quantification were detectable on the 3rd day after injection, increased markedly on the 7th day, and then declined on the 28th day. The transfer efficiencies indicated by the positive myocardial cells were 16. 7% , 45. 6% , 22. 8% on the 3rd, 7th, 28th day, respectively. In control group, no positive cells and (3-galactosidase activity were observed.Conclusion Adenovirus can be transferred into ischemic myocardium and express target gene in the AMI model for four weeks with the homemade easy device via pericardial cavity pretreated by collagenase and hyaluronidase.     

MISE AU POINT D'UNE TECHNIQUE D'ADMINISTRATION IN VIVO DES VECTEURS GENETIQUES DANS LEMUSCLE CARDIAQUE

Objective In order to improve the in vivo gene transfer into the heart muscle, we have designed a ECG-synchronized microinjection system that allows sequential gene delivery to the myocardium.Methods A cannula was introduced into the right carotid artery of the Wistar rat under general anesthesia.With the ECG-synchronized injection during diastole, the genetic vector (Ad CMV lacZ ) infusion was performed with various concentrations( l07 ～ l010pfu ) and different frequency ( the ratio of heart beats per injection from 1: 1 to 4: 1 ). The hearts of the rats were removed after 7 days for histological examination. Results Best results were obtained with a total vector amount of l09 pfu and a good ratio 3: 1 between heart frequency and injection frequency. The transfection efficiency was increased by use of vasodilators and by an increase of vascular permeability. No signs of myocardial ischemia or ventricular arrythmia were observed. Conclusion We have established a novel and safe method for in vivo gene transfer into the heart. Transgene expression suggests that this method may be useful technique to study cardiac function of treat cardiac diseases by means of gene theratpy.     

血管形成素1基因对兔缺血心肌中血管的新生作用

目的 探讨血管形成素1基因重组腺病毒载体构建及其促进心肌缺血区血管生长的作用。方法以逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)从人脾组织获取血管形成素1(Ang-1)全长cDNA,经SalI酶切并克隆到E1、E3缺失的Ad5腺病毒载体(PAxCAwt)中。应用Cosmid-TPC磷酸钙共沉淀法共转染293细胞,制备了纯化的Ang-1重组腺病毒颗粒。将获得的Ang-1重组腺病毒直接注射转染36只新西兰白兔的冠状动脉结扎后缺血的心肌内,应用RT-PCR方法测定其在转染心肌中的表达,并用免疫组织化学及冠状动脉造影方法观察缺血心肌内血管生长及侧支循环形成的情况。结果实验所克隆的Ang-1cDNA片段为含有信号肽结构的长度为1515bp的全长cDNA,与文献报道一致。Ang-1重组腺病毒直接注射转染兔缺血心肌后能有效表达,28d后新生毛细血管密度及侧支循环形成明显高于对照组。结论腺病毒介导的血管形成素-1基因能有效地促进兔心肌缺血区血管新生及侧支循环形成。     

Angiogenesis effects of adenovirus—mediated gene transfer of VEGF—B on chronic ischemic myocardium

Objective: To study the angiogenesis effects of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of VEGF-B on chronic ischemic myocardium. Methods: Domestic pigs underwent thoracotomy and placement of an ameroid constrictor on the circumflex coronary artery. Four weeks later, Ad. VEGF-B, Ad. LacZ or PBS were administrated directly into the myocardium at 10 sites in the circumflex distribution (109 PFU or 100 μl) according to groups. Echocardiography and ex vivo coronary angiography were performed. The injection sites around myocardium were harvested and subjected to histological analysis and immunochemical staining. Results: E-chocardiography assessment 4 weeks after vector administration demonstrated significant improvement of regional wall systolic function. Collateral vessel development assessed by angiography was also significantly greater in Ad. VEGF-B animals than that in control animals. Vascular density analysis revealed a mean of 43±5 neovessels per high-power field in Ad. VEGF-B group versus 19±4 and 17±6 in     

冠脉内导入重组β-半乳糖苷酶腺病毒的实验研究

目的 :研究经冠状动脉内导入重组 β-gal腺病毒后心肌的转染效率 ,证明冠脉内导入途径是否为重组基因导入心脏的有效的可行的途径。方法 :用定向克隆的方法构建重组 β -gal腺病毒载体 ,将 1 .53× 1 0 1 2 pfu重组 β-gal腺病毒经冠状动脉造影导管由左冠状动脉分别导入到 7只雄性Yorkshire猪心脏中 ,于术后 1周、2周、4周及 8周处死动物 ,取左右冠状动脉、3～ 5mm厚的不同部位的心肌及各实质脏器标本 ,经 1 .2 5 %戊二醛固定 2 0min ,用PBS洗涤 3次 ,在室温下用X -gal染液染色 1 6～ 2 4h ,脱水、石蜡包埋、切片及HE复染 ,光镜下计算出表达 β -gal的心肌细胞百分数即为转染效率。结果 :经冠状动脉内导入重组基因后 ,于术后 1周即有 β-gal表达 ,2周达高峰 ,心肌细胞的转染效率高达 45 .57% ,全层左冠状动脉壁、心肌间质中均有 β-gal表达 ,4周 β-gal表达下降 ,8周 β -gal恢复至对照组的基线水平。结论 :经冠状动脉内导入重组腺病毒 ,心肌细胞及冠脉壁重组基因表达效率高 ,说明冠状动脉内导入重组目的基因将是冠心病基因治疗中有效的可行的方法     

Vascular endothelial growth factor gene transfer improves host endothelializat ion of xenogeneic biologic heart valve in vivo

Ｔｈｅｍａｊｏｒｃａｕｓｅｏｆｄｙｓｆｕｎｃｔｉｏｎｉｎａｃａｒｄｉａｃｖａｌｖｅｐｒｏｓｔｈｅｓｉｓｉｓｔｉｓｓｕｅｄｅｇｅｎｅｒａｔｉｏｎ ,ｅｓｐｅｃｉａｌｌｙｃａｌｃｉｆｉｃａｔｉｏｎ ,ｗｈｉｃｈｃａｎｄｉｒｅｃｔｌｙｉｎｆｌｕｅｎｃｅｔｈｅｌｏｎｇ ｔｅｒｍｃｌｉｎｉｃａｌｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ Ａｂｏｕｔ 2 5 %ｏｆｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓｒｅｃｅｉｖｉｎｇｂｉｏｌｏｇｉｃｖａｌｖｅｓｎｅｅｄｒｅｏｐｅｒａｔｉｏｎｗｉｔｈｉｎ10ｙｅａｒｓｏｆｉｍｐｌａｎｔａｔｉｏｎ Ａｌｔｈｏｕｇｈｓｏｍｅｒｅｓｅａｒｃ…     

心腔内超声辐照增加基因表达技术的安全性研究

目的建立一套包括经皮介入心肌内基因投递、心腔内超声辐照增强基因表达的技术体系,并探讨其安全性。方法研制心腔内超声辐照导管(intracardiac ultrasound,US),经常规介入法置于活体犬左心室,并经导管中特制的微型针刺入心肌注射报告基因增强绿色荧光蛋白(enhanced green fluorescence protein,EGFP)质粒;12月龄健康杂种犬12只,体质量15～20 kg,雌雄不拘,分为EGFP+US组、单纯EGFP组。在EGFP+US组,注射质粒500μg后,心腔内超声辐照1 min(1 MHz、1 W/cm2、60s)。单纯EGFP组仅注射质粒,继续饲养犬,测定照射前、照射过程中、照射后心肌酶谱变化,7 d后,测定心肌、肝、肾、肺脏、肌肉中EGFP mRNA及蛋白质表达,观察心肌及上述脏器的病理形态变化。结果经超声导管成功实现了经皮心肌内注入EGFP质粒,心肌形态正常,心腔内超声辐照后明显增加EGFP基因在心肌表达,与单纯EGFP组相比,EGFP+US组EGFP mRNA表达增加6.5倍,蛋白表达增加3.4倍(P<0.01)。心肌无损伤、出血,辐照前后心肌酶谱没有变化(P>0.05)。光镜下肺脏、肝脏、肾脏形态无改变,也未见EGFP表达,心肌外未见质粒沉积。结论心腔内超声辐照能增强裸质粒在活体心肌组织中转染表达,未见超声辐照对心脏的毒副作用,心腔内超声辐照增强基因表达安全有效。     

电脉冲介导基因转移效率的实验研究

目的　研究电脉冲介导的基因转移效率及其最佳的基因转移的电脉冲参数。方法　用微量注射器将pcD2/LacZ质粒10μg,在昆明小鼠的股四头肌注射,1～2min内在注射部位给予不同参数的电脉冲刺激(不同的电脉冲参数每组10只小鼠),然后进行β-半乳糖苷酶活性的测定或酶组织化学染色。同时设空白对照组及单纯注射组。结果　电脉冲可明显增加LacZ基因的表达,电脉冲组的β-半乳糖苷酶活性（131.6U/mg±86.5U/mg蛋白）是单纯注射组（4.9U/mg±1.0U/mg蛋白）的30倍（P<0.05）。组织化学染色结果表明电脉冲组肌肉组织中β-半乳糖苷酶蓝色颗粒的数目和染色的程度均明显高于单纯肌肉注射组。当电脉冲参数电压200V/cm,波宽40ms,脉冲次数6次和频率1Hz时,可获得最高的基因表达效率。结论　在最佳的电脉冲参数条件下,电脉冲介导的基因转移可获得较高的基因表达。     

脂质体介导的骨骼肌细胞的基因转移

采用２种阳离子脂质体──ｌｉｐｏｆｅｃｔｉｎ和ｌｉｐｏｆｅｃｔａＭＩＮＥ作为将外源性基因转入骨骼肌细胞的介导物。骨骼肌细胞为取自新生ＳＤ大鼠骨骼肌经２ｄ培养的原代细胞，外源性基因来自质粒ｐＲＳＶＬａｃＺ中的报告基因──β－半乳糖苷酶（ＬａｃＺ）基因。结果证明用此２种阳离子脂质体可使ＬａｃＺ基因在培养骨骼肌细胞中表达率达到２０％。这说明应用阳离子脂质体在真核细胞中实施转基因是一种有效方法。     

尾静脉高压注射质粒DNA后体内表达的规律

目的研究小鼠尾静脉高压注射质粒DNA后，目的基因在体内分布表达的规律，以及该方法的转基因效率。方法将LacZ质粒按小鼠体重比稀释到一定的PBS中，经尾静脉快速高压注射导入小鼠体内，通过X-gal染色的方法在不同时间点观察目的基因在肝脏和其他脏器中的分布规律。结果含有CMV启动子的LaeZ裸质粒经小鼠尾静脉高压注射途径导入体内，24h后即开始表达，第3天出现表达高峰，1周后表达消失，基因转染率达5％-6％；用脂质体包裹质粒DNA后，再进行尾静脉高压注射，质粒在肝脏的表达效率可达18％-20％。结论应用尾静脉高压注射脂质体／质粒DNA复合物途径，目的基因在小鼠肝脏获得高效表达，该方法可以广泛应用于基因治疗的实验研究。     

Reporter LacZ gene transfer into cultured ocular cells of human eyes in vitro

Objective To investigate whether a reporter LacZ gene could be transferred into cultured ocular cells of human eyes in vitro. Methods Fibroblast cells of Tenon’s capsule, trabecular meshwork cells, and muscle celms in the ciliary body of human eyes were cultured and the pcDNA3-LacZ gene was transferred into these cells using a cationic liposome delivery system.The cells were subsequently fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, mixed with X-gal, then observed under a microscope. Results Blue stain was seen in the cytoplasm of the cultured cells under the microscope, demonstrating the successful transfer of the LacZ gene into these cells.Conclusion Reporter LacZ gene was easily transferred into the cultured ocular cells in vitro.This provides insights into the transfer of the genes into these cells to study the pathogenesis and therapy of glaucoma.     

Adeno-associated viral vector mediated and cardiac-specific delivery of CD151 gene in ischemic rat hearts

Our previous studies demonstrated that CD151 gene promoted neovascularization in ischemic heart model.To improve the delivery efficacy and target specificity of CD151 gene to ischemic heart,we generated an adeno-associated virus(AAV) vector in which CD151 expression was controlled by the myosin light chain(MLC-2v) promoter to achieve the cardiac-specific expression of CD151 gene in ischemic myocardium and to limit unwanted CD151 expression in extracardiac organs.The function of this vector was examined in rat ischemic myocardium model.The protein expression of CD151 in the ischemic myocardium areas,liver and kidney was confirmed by using Western blot,while the microvessels within ischemic myocardium areas were detected by using immunohistochemistry.The results showed that MLC-2v significantly enhanced the expression of CD151 in ischemic myocardium,but attenuated its expression in other organs.The forced CD151 expression could increase the number of microvessels in the ischemic myocardium.This study demonstrates the AAV-mediated and MLC-2v regulated CD151 gene is highly expressed in the ischemic myocardium and cardiac-specific delivery that is more efficiently targets CD151 to the ischemia myocardium after myocardial infarction.     

基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-3基因转染血管平滑肌细胞移植对大鼠心肌梗死的治疗作用

目的 观察基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子3(TIMP-3)基因转染血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)移植,对大鼠心肌梗死(AMI)的治疗效果,并探讨其可能的机制.方法 取Wistar大鼠胸主动脉,采用组织块法培养VSMCs.左冠状动脉远端结扎方法复制AMI模型.随机分三组:冠状动脉结扎后3d向缺血心室壁内分别注射含有1×106个TIMP-3基因转染的VSMCs(TIMP-3组)、1×106个VSMCs(VSMC组)、不含细胞的DMEM液(DMEM组)各0.5mL.术后第4周,观察大鼠心脏功能变化,免疫组化染色检测TIMP-3和基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)的表达,RT-PCR法检测缺血心肌组织中TIMP-3和MMP-2 mRNA含量.结果 TIMP-3基因成功转入VSMCs中.术后4周,TIMP-3组的LVIDd、LVIDs、EDV和ESV值较正常鼠升高(P＜0.05),但小于VSMC(P ＜0.01)组和DMEM组(P＜0.01).RT-PCR结果显示:各移植组TIMP-3 mRNA含量均较对照组显著升高(P＜0.01),TIMP-3组较VSMC组、DMEM组明显增高(P＜0.01);TIMP-3组MMP-2 mRNA含量较VSMC组、DMEM组明显降低(P＜0.01).结论 将TIMP-3基因转染的VSMCs移植入心肌缺血区可明显抑制MMP-2的表达,进而抑制AMI后早期心肌重塑,改善心功能.     

Efficient Gene Delivery to Myocardium with Ultrasound Targeted Microbubble Destruction and Polyethylenimine

The aim of present study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of enhanced green fluorescent protein （EGFP） gene delivery to myocardium in vivo by ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction （UTMD） and polyethylenimine （PEI）. SonoVue/DNA and PEI/DNA/SonoVue complexes were prepared. Gel electrophoresis analysis was performed to determine the structural integrity of plasmid DNA or PEI/DNA after UTMD. Solutions of plasmid DNA, SonoVue/DNA, PEI/DNA complexes or PEI/DNA/SonoVue complexes were respectively transduced into BALB/c mice hearts by means of transthoracic ultrasound irradiation. Mice undergoing PBS injection, plasmid injection or PEI/DNA complexes injection without ultrasound irradiation served as controls. Gene expression in myocardium was detected 4 days after treatment. Cryosections and histological examinations were conducted. Electrophoresis gel assay showed no damage to DNA or PEI/DNA complexes after UTMD. When the heart was not exposed to ultrasound, the expression of EGFP was observed in the subendocardial myocardium obviously. The strongest expression was detected in the anterior wall of the left ventricle when the heart was exposed to ultrasound alone. Injection of PEI/DNA complexes and UTMD resulted in the highest transfection efficiency and the distributional difference of EGFP was not obvious. No tissue damage was seen histologically. In conclusion, a combination of UTMD and PEI was highly effective in transfecting mice hearts without causing any apparently adverse effect. It provides an alternative to current clinical gene therapy and opens a new concept of non-viral gene delivery for the treatment of cardiac disease.