ObjectiveTo study the feasibility of ex vivo gene transfer to donor heart by delivering i ntracoronarily a reporter gene (Lac-Z gene) to donor heart at the time of trans plantation.MethodsThe model of heterotopic heart transplantation in murine was established and the method of perfusing intracoronarily was performed. Twelve male BALB/c mice were divided into 2 groups randomly: gene-transfer group (group 1) and control grou p (group 2). In group 1, plasmid vector (PSV-?-gal containing Lac-Z gene)/li posome (DOSPER) was perfused intracoronarily into each donor heart at the time o f transplantation. In group 2, normal saline was perfused. Donor hearts were har vested 3 days after transplantation. Freezing sections were made for detection o f the transfer and expression of Lac-Z gene by histochemical staining (X-gal). ResultsThe expression of Lac-Z gene was detected in the donor hearts of group 1. In tw o donor hearts, the expression of Lac-Z gene was detectable in the myocardial c ells in the mid-layer of ventriculus; In one donor heart the expression was fou nd in the myocardial cells under epicardium. But no expression of Lac-Z gene wa s detected in donor hearts of group 2.ConclusionEx vivo gene transfer intracoronarily to donor heart in the form of plasmid vector /liposome complex at the time of transplant ation is feasible.