Effects of Linear Polyethylenimine and Polyethylenimine/DNA on Lung Function after Airway Instillation to Rat Lungs

• DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2001.0413
• Publication Date: 2002-09-18T19:46:30Z
• Authors: Aima N. Uduehi; Uz Stammberger; Bartosz Kubisa; Matthias Gugger; Thomas A. Buehler; Ralph A. Schmid
• Keywords: Polyethylenimine

Lung transplantation is an acceptable treatment option for various end-stage pulmonary diseases, but long-term survival currently lags behind that after of other solid organs. We hypothesized gene transfer to grafts before may be a useful method deliver antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory genes modulate these processes. For this purpose, we assessed the efficiency and effects on lung function synthetic polycation, linear polyethylenimine (PEI), airway instillation lungs Fischer rats. Twenty-four hours delivery, reporter activity in DNA/PEI treated rats was approximately 12-fold higher than with naked DNA, by 72 there no significant difference between groups had decreased at least 85%. Function transfected left measuring arterial PaO2 levels found significantly lower 24 PEI/DNA group compared DNA group. The deterioration correlated histological findings. Rats PEI alone sacrificed showed impairment similar tha seen treatment. Our studies highlight importance assessing functional capacity graft determine suitability subsequent transplantation.