Gene Therapy in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Parkinson's Disease.
Abstract
This grant is studying the ability to deliver the trophic factor glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) via in vivo and ex vivo viral vectors in nonhuman primates. In this first year, two studies have been performed and completed. In the first experiment, lentiviral vectors delivering the marker gene Beta galactosidase was injected into three monkeys to test the ability of this vector to demonstrate sustained expression in the nonhuman primate nigrostriatal system. This study revealed that robust and consistent gene expression could be achieved. In the second experiment, lentiviral delivery of GDNF was attempted in aged nonhuman primates. These injections resulted in a dramatic increase in dopaminergic markers in this model of early Parkinson's disease. These data indicate that lentiviral delivery of GDNF may be an efficacious means by which to upregulate impaired dopaminergic function in patients with PD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA374727
Entities
People
- Jeffrey Kordower
Organizations
- Rush University Medical Center