In vivo delivery of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor across the blood-brain barrier by gene transfer into brain capillary endothelial cells

The gene encoding mouse glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (mGDNF gene) was transfected into brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) with the aim of delivering the gene product extensively into the brain parenchyma by making use of the secretory function of BCECs. First, we transfected mGDNF gene into cultured BCECs (MBEC4; mouse brain capillary endothelial cells) in vitro. The amount of mGDNF protein secreted from the transfected cells into the medium was 1500 to 3200 pg/mg of cell protein per day, being about sevenfold higher than that accumulated intracellularly. Furthermore, the basolateral-directed secretion of mGDNF protein from the transfected MBEC4 cells was fivefold higher than the apical-directed secretion. Next, the hemagglutination virus of Japan (HVJ)-liposomes encapsulating mGDNF gene were administered to rats in vivo via the internal carotid artery. The transfected rats showed a marked increase in the brain level of GDNF as assessed by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting on day 3 after the administration, and the level remained significantly elevated for at least 12 days. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining revealed an increase in GDNF immunoreactivity throughout the transfected forebrain. These results indicate that the gene was successfully transferred in vivo from HVJ-liposomes into BCECs, where it was expressed, and the gene product was secreted into the brain. Then, using this delivery method, we evaluated the protective effect for dopamine neuron against a retrograde 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion, as assessed by behavioral and neurochemical indices.