In vivo gene transfer of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) into mouse endometrium

Purpose: Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is important for embryogenesis and implantation. We aimed to transfect LIF gene into the mouse endometrium. Materials and Methods: Expression plasmids carried LIF and luciferase genes for transfer. After superovulation, 100 ICR mice were mated with vasectomized mice. Then LIF-liposome (Group 1) and luciferase-liposome complexes (Group 2) were injected into their uterine lumen (Day 0). Endometrial LIF and luciferase expressions were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on Days 0-4 post gene transfer. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was used as an internal control to normalize the gene transfection. Results: LIF mRNA and luciferase activities reached the peak expression on Day 3. In Group 1, the ratios of LIF/GADPH on Days 1-4 were 0.414, 1.096, 1.162, and 0.782. In Group 2, LIF/GADPH on Days 1-4 were 0.24, 0.22, 0.35, and 0.32. Conclusions: Mouse endometrium could be effectively transfected with liposome-DNA mixtures. Endometrial LIF transfer via liposome may be effective in human.