Transfection of rat kidney with human 15-lipoxygenase suppresses inflammation and preserves function in experimental glomerulonephritis

The human 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) gene was transfected into rat kidneys in vivo via intra-renal arterial injection. Three days later, acute (passive) or accelerated forms of antiglomerular basement membrane antibody-mediated glomerulonephritis were induced in transfected and nontransfected or sham-t ransfected controls. Studies of glomerular functions (filtration and protei n excretion) and ex vivo glomerular leukotriene Bq biosynthesis at 3 hr, an d up to 4 days, after induction of nephritis revealed preservation or norma lization of these parameters in transfected kidneys that expressed human 15 -LO mRNA and mature protein, but not in contralateral control kidneys or sh am-transfected animals. The results provide in vivo-derived data supporting a direct antiinflammatory role for 15-LO during immune-mediated tissue inj ury.