In vivo gene transfer to the mouse oviduct epithelium

Abstract

Objective: To transfect the mouse oviduct in vivo. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Research laboratory. Animal(s): Sixteen female Swiss albino mice. Intervention(s): The left oviduct of 10 female mice was instilled with a liposome DNA solution. In addition, 2 control mice received liposome solution, 2 received phosphate-buffered saline solution, and 2 received no injection. Main Outcome Measure(s): The expression of the gene transfected (β-galactosidase) was detected in the oviduct epithelium with the use of a routine histochemical analysis. Result(s): The 90% of the female mice that were transfected with liposome/β-Gal complexes expressed the gene in the oviduct mucosa. The controls did not show β-Gal expression. Conclusion(s): Cationic liposome/DNA complexes can be used for in vivo transfection of the mouse fallopian tubes. The foreign gene expression occurs in clusters of cells located along the mucosa of the isthmus and juncture regions.