Minimally invasive closed-chest ultrasound-guided substance delivery into the pericardial space in mice

• DOI: 10.1007/s00210-012-0815-2
• Publication Date: 2013-02-15T18:23:52Z
• Authors: S. Laakmann; L. Fortmüller; I. Piccini; S. Grote-Wessels; W. Schmitz; G. Breves; P. Kirchhof; L. Fabritz
• Keywords: Pericardial fluid

Organ-directed gene transfer remains an attractive method for both gaining a better understanding of heart disease and cardiac therapy. However, virally mediated products into cells requires prolonged exposure the myocardium to viral substrate. Pericardial injection vectors has been proposed used with some success achieve myocardial transfection may be suitable approach atrial myocardium. Indeed, such organ-specific would particularly useful reverse phenotypes in young adult genetically altered murine models disease. We therefore sought develop minimally invasive technique pericardial substances mice. access anaesthetised, spontaneously breathing mice was achieved using continuous high-resolution ultrasound guidance. could demonstrate adequate delivery injected pericardium. Atrial epicardial were transfected approximately one third enhanced green fluorescent protein-expressing adenovirus. Cellular expression rates within individual atria limited maximum 20 %; therefore, efficiency needs further improved. Minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided material appears technically challenging yet feasible selective epi- This evaluation potential genetic interventions aimed at rescuing transgenic mouse models.