Objective: This paper reviews the current status of gene therapy in the neu
roendocrine system and discusses the interventive potential of this methodo
logy for neuroendocrine pathologies associated with aging. Background and R
esults: A brief description is first presented of the viral-vector-based ge
ne delivery systems being currently used in the neuroendocrine system, name
ly the adenoviral and herpetic (HSV1) vector systems. Next, an account of t
he neuroendocrine pathologies for which gene therapy approaches in animal m
odels are being implemented is provided. This includes the treatment of exp
erimental pituitary tumors by adenoviral-vector-mediated transfer of the su
icide gene for the HSV-1 thymidine kinase, At the hypothalamic level, an ad
enovirus harboring the cDNA for arginine vasopressin has been used in Bratt
leboro rats to correct their diabetes insipidus, Next, the interventive pot
ential of gene therapy for correcting age-associated neurodegenerative proc
esses at neuroendocrine level is outlined. Finally, the role that emerging
technologies may play in the development of future genetic therapies for ag
ing is considered. Conclusion: Although effective implementation of gene th
erapy strategies still faces significant technical obstacles, these are lik
ely to be progressively overcome as gene delivery systems are refined. Copy
right (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.