OBJECTIVETo observe the gene and protein expression of herpes simplex virus type I-thymidine kinase (HSV(1)-tk) in the ovarian tumor tissues and other organs after arterial infusion of HSV(1)-tk gene mediated by GE7 delivery system.

METHODSGE7-polylysine/pCMV-HSV(1)-tk/polylysine-HA20 complexes were constructed. Nine rats with induced ovarian tumor were divided into 3 groups, injecting the 4-element complexes or saline buffer through the ovarian artery and complexes through the tail vein, respectively. The ovarian tumors, hearts, livers, spleens, lungs and kidneys were obtained at 72 hours after injection. RT-PCR and Western Blot were preceeded to determine the expression of HSV(1)-tk gene and protein in the tumor tissues and other organs.

RESULTSIn the group of arterial injection with 4-element complexes, the HSV(1)-tk gene and protein were expressed strongly in the tumor tissues, while little or none was detected in other organs. In the group of arterial injection with saline buffer, no HSV(1)-tk gene and protein was detected in both tumor tissues and other organs. In the group of tail vein injection, none was detected in tumor tissues and only little was found in the livers, spleens, lungs and kidneys.

CONCLUSIONHigh target and gene transfer rates can be obtained when HSV(1)-tk gene is transferred via the artery route mediated by GE7 delivery system. HSV(1)-tk protein can be expressed after the gene transfer. The results may provide a new strategy for target killing of HSV(1)-tk/GCV system in ovarian tumors.