Summary
Researchers have developed a technique for delivering genes to the heart using ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction. The researchers used liposome microbubbles to encapsulate either adenoviral or plasmid DNA encoding the luciferase reporter gene.
They then injected the microbubbles intravenously into anesthetized rats and exposed them to ultrasound. They found that the optimal ultrasound parameters for this technique include low-transmission frequency (1.3 MHz), maximal mechanical index, and ECG triggering. They also found that plasmid DNA was expressed in rat myocardium at similar levels to adenoviral DNA but without detectable liver expression.
The authors conclude that ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction can be used to deliver adenoviral or plasmid DNA to the myocardium. They believe that this technique holds great promise for applying the rapidly expanding repertoire of gene therapies being developed for cardiac disease.
