Abstract
Mechanism underlying ultrasound-mediated transfection (USMT) is possibly explained with interaction between effects of cavitation and resposes of plasma membrane. We focused on the plasma membrane to see if altering it could enhance USMT. PC-3 and T24 from urological cancers were used as target cells and the luciferase gene was used as a reporter. Levovist, a contrast agent, was used to facilitate cavitation. Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, or heat was applied for membrane modification. For in vitro transfection, cells in a tube were sonicated and for in vivo transfection, cells in the rat bladder were transabdominally sonicated with 1 MHz ultrasound. Sonicated cells were incubated and subjected to lucifearase assay. Luciferase expression in transfected cells increased with increasing lidocaine concentration and increased with rising temperature. Obtained data suggested different mechanisms in the enhancements by lidocaine and heat. These results indicated membrane modification significantly enhanced USMT, suggesting this could be useful for the ultrasound-mediated gene therapy. [J Radiat Res 44:419 (2003)]
