Does gene transfer of extracellular superoxide dismutase increase superoxide dismutase activity in cerebrospinal fluid?
-We have developed a method for intracranial gene transfer of CuZnSOD and EC-SOD. After gene transfer, CuZnSOD was expressed mainly in tissues, and EC-SOD was released into the CSF, especially after injection of heparin or dextran sulfate. Gene transfer of different isoforms of SOD may be useful in studies of cerebral vascular physiology and pathophysiology.
These observations are consistent with the suggestion that endothelium is adapted to minimize microembolic potential and that canalicular fragmentation contributes to this.