In-vivo transfection of the female reproductive tract epithelium

Mouse female genital tract was transfected in vivo using the beta -galactos idase reporter gene. To transfect the female tract, DNA/liposome complexes were injected through the infundibulum of the oviducts of adult, immature, and pseudopregnant females. Females which were in different stages of the o varian cycle were also employed. Transfection was analysed using histochemi cal, immunological and molecular (Southern blotting, polymerase chain react ion and gene sequencing) procedures. The lower region of the uterine glands and the oviduct epithelium in the isthmus and juncture regions were the mo st conspicuous transfected areas. The greatest numbers of transfected cells were 6% in the oviduct and 9% in the uterus, meanwhile the duration of exp ression reached a maximum of 7 days in the oviduct and 14 days in the uteru s. The hormonal stage of the genital tract epithelium directly affected tra nsfection, as the highest number of successful transfections occurred durin g the meta-oestrus and pseudopregnancy stages.