This paper aims to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal ultrasound (US) irradiation for green fluorescent protein (GFP) plasmid\r\ntransfer into the rabbit retina using a miniature US transducer. Intravitreal US irradiation was performed by a slight modification\r\nof the transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system utilizing a small probe. After vitrectomy, the US probe was inserted through\r\na scleral incision. A mixture of GFP plasmid (50 �µL) and bubble liposomes (BLs; 50 �µL) was injected into the vitreous cavity, and\r\nUS was generated to the retina using a SonoPore 4000. The control group was not exposed to US. After 72 h, the gene-transfer\r\nefficiency was quantified by counting the number of GFP-positive cells. The retinas that received plasmid, BL, and US showed\r\na significant increase in the number (average �± SEM) of GFP-positive cells (32 �± 4.9; n = 7; P < 0.01 ). No GFP-positive cells\r\nwere observed in the control eyes (n = 7). Intravitreal retinal US irradiation can transfer the GFP plasmid into the retina without\r\ncausing any apparent damage. This procedure could be used to transfer genes and drugs directly to the retina and therefore has\r\npotential therapeutic value.
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