[Comparison of lentivirus and adenovirus vector mediated gene transfer into cultured spiral ganglion cells].

Objective: We aimed to compare the characteristics between lentivirus and adenovirus vector mediated gene transfer into cultured spiral ganglion cells (SGCs).

Method: SGCs from newborn rats were cultured and exposed to lentivirus-GFP and adenovirus-GFP vectors. GFP expression and the cell morphology were evaluated under epi-fluorescence microscope at 3 days and 7 days after exposure. Survival number of SGCs was counted, and the average percentage of SGCs with GFP expression was calculated, and axon length was measured by ImageJ software.

Result: Cultured SGCs were transfected by either adenovirus or lentivirus vector successfully. The adenovirus vector presented an instant and efficient transfection. However, the expression of GFP went down after 7 days. In lentivirus-GFP group, GFP expression was detected at 7 days after exposure, and the number of cells with GFP expression increased gradually in the following days. Statistical analysis revealed that there were no differences in survival number of SGCs and average axon length among lentivirus-GFP group, adenovirus-GFP group and control group.

Conclusion: Cultured SGCs can be transfected by either lentivirus vector or adenovirus vector safely and efficiently. SGCs are more susceptible to adenovirus vector, but GFP persists for a longer period after the lentivirus-mediated gene transfer.