Comparative study of fluorescent distribution within the rat cochlea after three viral vectors inoculation in round window membrane

OBJECTIVE To determine the most effective viral vector in infecting the spiral ganglion cells and cochlear nerve fibers among three viral vectors that was inoculated via round window membrane. METHODS Three types vectors carrying GFP gene including Lentivirus, Adenovirus-5 and Adenoassociated virus-2 were infused into the perilymphatic space through the round window membrane with micro injector in rat respectively. The distribution and intensity of green fluorescence were estimated by fluorescent microscope at 3days, 7days and 14days after gene transfer. RESULTS Multiple types of cochlear cells were infected by three different viral vectors. In contrast to the other vectors, the adenovirus-5 vector effectively transfected spiral ganglion cells and cochlea nerve fibers with high expression level for 2 weeks. CONCLUSION Distribution of GFP gene expression mediated by three kinds of viral vector was different obviously in rat cochlea, only adenovirus-5 successfully targets cochlear spiral ganglion cells. These findings are of value in gene therapy for cochlear spiral ganglion cell degeneration.