Abstract
Electroporation of non-viral plasmid DNA is a valuable tool to alter gene expression in the adult central nervous system. It offers a number of advantages over viral gene delivery as non-viral plasmids can integrate larger inserts and reduce the risk of inducing unintended immunological responses. Generally, electroporation of the adult brain is accomplished in rodents by applying high-amplitude voltage-controlled pulses through the entire brain with plate electrodes surrounding the animal's head. Here, we describe an alternative electroporation protocol making use of current-controlled low-amplitude pulses that are delivered locally by means of needlelike electrodes in the brain of adult mice. This allows altering gene expression in very-well-defined areas of the brain while inducing minimal tissue damage.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Methods in molecular biology |
Pages | 157-63 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Volume | 1121 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- Analgesia
- Animals
- Central Nervous System
- DNA
- Electroporation
- Injections
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Stereotaxic Techniques
- Transfection