Method for continuous infusion into the portal vein of mice

Recombinant retroviral vectors are attractive for in vivo gene transfer into the liver because they integrate into the host-cell genome, resulting in permanent gene expression. Gene-transfer efficiency can be improved by increasing the number of retroviral particles delivered to hepatocytes. For this purpose, we report a mouse model for continuous infusion into the portal circulation permitting large-volume vector administration, which will allow marked increase in gene-transfer efficiency. Continuous saline infusion was evaluated, using various parameters, and an infusion rate of 6 ml/24 h was found safe and well tolerated for at least 2 weeks. No significant changes in liver and kidney function and electrolyte balance were observed during the infusion. In addition to providing a valuable method for in vivo hepatic gene therapy, this model has a number of other potential applications, including mouse studies of hepatic tumor therapy, pharmacology, toxicology, and liver biology.