OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of gene delivery to the right lateral lobe of the rat liver via a branch of the bile duct using naked DNA.

METHODSWe evaluated regional gene delivery to the right lateral lobe of the rat liver via a branch of the bile duct, using naked DNA, including pGL3, pCMV beta and Cy3 labeled CMV beta.

RESULTSGene expression was observed in right lateral lobe of both the damaged and the normal rats liver. The gene delivery efficiency was similar in two groups (P > 0.05). Gene expression was found in the right lateral lobe of damaged and normal livers. Fluorescence was observed in the region of the portal triads, and occasionally, in the lobule.

CONCLUSIONRetrograde infusion of naked DNA via the bile duct is an effective way to deliver genes to in both damaged and normal rat liver.

Animals ; Bile Ducts ; metabolism ; DNA ; genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Galactose ; Gene Expression ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genes, Reporter ; Genetic Therapy ; methods ; Genetic Vectors ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Diseases ; genetics ; pathology ; therapy ; Luciferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Lew ; beta-Galactosidase ; genetics ; metabolism