Gene transfer to blood vessels: A research tool and potential therapy

Gene transfer to blood vessels is remarkably effective in altering vasomoto r function, and has proven to be a useful tool for studying vascular biolog y. Gene therapy for cardiovascular diseases is an attractive new approach, which will be used initially for diseases in which pharmacologic approaches are not effective. Preliminary data suggest that two possible targets for gene therapy are prevention of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorr hage and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Perhaps, as better vectors ar e developed, common clinical problems such as hypertension and hypercholest erolemia also may become targets for gene therapy. Am J Hypertens 2001;14: 28S-32S (C) 2001 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.