Adenovirally Delivered Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor to Rat Retina

Purpose: To study the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the rat retina delivered by adenovirus. Methods: Adenovirus with BDNF gene was injected into the vitreous. Gene expression was detected by immunofluorescence staining,and quantitative analysis was performed after injury and transfection by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The positive cells can be seen on the 3rd day and last 4 weeks by immunofluore-scence staining. Positive cells in the control group were fewer than those in the transfection group or the fluorescence intensity was lower at every time point. Quantitative analysis showed that the expression of BDNF groups was higher than that of the control group at every time point(P < 0.01), and that of the injured group without transfection was higher than that of the control group on the 3rd day and the 7th day (P < 0.01).Conclusion: Efficient and stable transfer of BDNF gene could be achieved by adenovirus delivery into the retina of rats. Injury can promote the expression of BDNF in early period.