AAV9-mediated erythropoietin gene delivery into the brain protects nigral dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2010

Abstract

We have recently shown that intrastriatal injection of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) protects dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) from 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) toxicity in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. However, systemic administration of EPO did not protect nigral DA neurons, suggesting that the blood-brain barrier limits the passage of EPO protein into the brain. In the present study, we used an adeno-associated viral (AAV) serotype 9 (AAV9) vector to deliver the human EPO gene into the brain of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. We observed that expression of the human EPO gene was robust and stable in the striatum and the SN for up to 10 weeks. EPO-immunoreactive (IR) cells were widespread throughout the injected striatum, and EPO-IR neurons and fibers were also found in the ipsilateral SN. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analyses exhibited dramatic levels of EPO protein in the injected striatum. As a result, nigral DA neurons were protected against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity. Amphetamine-induced rotational asymmetry and spontaneous forelimb use asymmetry were both attenuated. Interestingly, we also observed that intrastriatal injection of AAV9-EPO vectors led to increased numbers of red blood cells in peripheral blood. This highlights the importance of using an inducible gene delivery system for EPO gene delivery. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Gene Therapy

First Page

83

Last Page

94

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