Assessment of cell death in the viable epidermis

The use of gene guns in ballistically delivering DNA vaccine coated gold micro-particles to skin can potentially damage targeted cells, including Langerhans cells, therefore influencing transfection efficiencies. We have assessed and obtained data on cell death in the viable epidermis by non-invasive near infrared two-photon microscopy following micro-particle bombardment of murine skin. We showed that the ballistic delivery of micro-particles to the viable epidermis can result in localised cell death. Furthermore, experimental results show the degree of cell death is dependant on the number of micro-particles delivered per unit of tissue surface area. These results suggest that optimization of transfection by genes administered with gene guns is - among other effects - a compromise of micro-particle payload and cell death.

• organ type
• skin

• molecule type
• deoxyribonucleic acids,
• cellular microparticle,
• gene

• cell type
• Langerhans cell

• organism type
• Mus musculus

created over 16 years ago (2 March 2009)    last modified over 12 years ago (9 July 2012)   [ RDF ]   [ RelFinder ]