Gene Transfer Into Coronary Arteries of Intact Animals With a Percutaneous Balloon Catheter

Genetic manipulation of the vasculature may offer insights into the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease and may lead to gene therapy for disorders such as restenosis after percutaneous coronary angioplasty. The goal of this study was to develop a percutaneous method for gene transfer into coronary arteries of intact animals. Liposomes were used to facilitate transfection in coronary arteries with a plasmid containing the cDNA encoding luciferase. This reporter was chosen since it is not expressed in mammalian cells, and it can be quantified using a sensitive assay (light production). Mongrel dogs were catheterized, and DNA was delivered to coronary arteries via a porous perfusion balloon system. Luciferase expression was measured 3–5 days after the procedure, when the dogs were killed. Luciferase activity in control arteries (n=12) was no higher than average background activity. Eight of 12 transfected arteries exhibited gene expression, averaging 4.3±2.1 pg luciferase (p