Experimental study of gene therapy for Parkinson's disease with GAP-43 and TH genes

Objective To explore the role of growth associtated protein(GAP 43 ) gene and throsine hydroxylase(TH) gene in the treatment of Parkinson's disease(PD) by using the ex vivo gene transfer cells. Method After the construction of GAP 43 gene and TH gene in the retroviral vectors, the astrocytes were cultured with the supernatants containing different recombinant DNA and then were transplanted into the cerebrum of PD rats. The reduction of the rat rotation behavior was evaluated. Results PD rats received TH gene and TH/GAP 43 gene treatment revealed decreasing rotation, but GAP 43 gene treatment group did not. Conclusion TH gene exerts an obvious efficiency on the treatment of PD and GAP 43 gene can enhance the effect of TH gene.