Expression of adeno-associated virus integrated transgene within the XXXX vestibular organs.

@entity1 @entity7791 @entity840 @entity394
HYPOTHESIS: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a suitable viral vector for transgene expression within the @entity1 vestibular organs. BACKGROUND: In vivo introduction and expression of a foreign gene within the cochlear tissues have been established using a variety of viral vectors and @entity840 as the animal model. However, the vestibular neuroepithelia of the @entity1 inner ear as a potential target for transgene expression remain to be investigated. METHODS: Transgene expression was assessed within the vestibular neuroepithelia of @entity840 after intracochlear infusion of the recombinant AAV vector with the aid of an osmotic minipump. Evaluation of the transgene within the vestibular apparatus focused on its duration of expression from 2-24 weeks after intracochlear AAV infusion using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In the @entity7791 ( @entity7791 )-infused animals, the sensory hair cells as well as the supporting epithelial cells of cristae and maculae were positive for the transgene expression. The relative level of @entity7791 expression was noted to decrease progressively over time. @entity394 also was observed in the contralateral ear, a finding that has been documented previously in AAV-integrated transgene expression in the cochlea. CONCLUSION: This study reports the first demonstration of introduction and long-term transgene expression within the vestibular neuroepithelia. The ability to express a foreign gene with the vestibular system allows the possibility of experimental and therapeutic application of gene therapy technology to address vestibular function and dysfunction.
