IN-VITRO TRANSFER OF GENES INTO SPINAL TI SSUES

Introduction: It is well known that cytokines are involved in the indu ction of intervertebral disc and articular cartilage destruction. Ther apeutic proteins are of great potential as locally produced drugs afte r transfer of their cognate genes to the sites of interest. Methods: C hondrocytic cells from bovine os coccygis and discal chondrocytes from 6 wistar rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. The bacterial beta -galactosidase (LacZ) gene and the cDNA of the human interleukin-1 rec eptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were introduced into the cells by retrovirus mediated gene transfer. LacZ activity was determined by Xgal staining , IL-1ra protein was determined by ELISA. Results: Our study confirms that isolation and cultivation of bovine chondrocytic end plate cells and of rat discal cells is possible. Transfer of both LacZ and of the IL-1ra cDNA to cultured cells was successfull. Discussion: The introdu ction of exogenous therapeutical genes into cells from the interverteb ral disc and the end plate opens the possibility for a local gene ther apy of IVD degeneration. This therapy has the potential to be specific , effective and appropriate to the chronicity of the disease.