In Vivo
	2-Needle Array		Tweezertrodes
	Genetrodes		Genepaddles
	Caliper Electrode

Product Information Technical Specifications (PDF, 135KB) Instructions for Use (PDF, 162KB)

The BTX 2-Needle Array Electrode is an in vivo style electrode specifically designed for muscle gene delivery. The electrode consists of a reusable delrin 2-Needle Array Handle and sterile disposable two-needle array assemblies. The needle array assemblies are conveniently packaged in "Six Packs," allowing for guaranteed sterility, and designed to fit conveniently in a sterile hood. The needles themselves are made of medical grade stainless steel. Grasping the Needle Array handle, simply position the handle over a needle array assembly and push to secure the needle array onto the handle. Attach the handle to a BTX pulse generator via the high voltage banana cables. Remove the needle safety shield, place into the tissue, and deliver the pulse. Discard the needle array and prepare for the next experiment. The 2-Needle Array comes in 5mm and 10mm electrode spacings. The Model 530 Handle works with the Model 531 needle tips and is used for larger muscle masses, such as rat gastronemus. The Model 532 Handle works with the Model 533 needle tips and is recommended for smaller muscle masses, such as mouse tibialis. Other species and tissues may be electroporated with the 2-Needle Array.

Applications

Muscle in vivo Gene Delivery (IVGD) - Among the non-viral techniques for gene transfer in vivo, the direct injection of plasmid DNA into muscle is simple, inexpensive, and safe. Aihara and Miyazaki (1998)¹ showed that by combining electroporation with DNA injection, expression was enhanced 100 fold. Their results demonstrated that gene transfer into muscle by electroporation in vivo is more efficient than intramuscular DNA injection alone. Mir et.al. (1999)² used various types of electrodes to deliver genes into skeletal muscles of various species (rat, mice, rabbits, monkeys), resulting in 2 to 4-log fold increase in expression. DNA vaccination by direct in vivo administration of plasmid-based DNA vectors has proven to be very effective in animal models. Scientists at Genetronics, Inc. have shown that electroporation enhances gene expression in muscle greatly, making it possible to induce immune response in large animals without using large amounts of DNA. Therefore, in vivo electroporation is proven to be especially useful at increasing effectiveness of DNA vaccinations in large animals.³

Other Applications
2-Needle Array style electrodes have been used for a variety of applications. Nakano et al. used a similar electrode with the T820 to deliver plasmid DNA into mice tibialis muscle for gene therapy studies of cardiovascular disease.⁴ Widera et al. used this electrode in various animals for delivery of plasmid DNA which resulted in increased DNA uptake.⁵ Nishi used this type of electrode with the T820 to deliver a plasmid DNA construct into rat gliomas, resulting in expression of beta galactosidase in the area between the electrodes.⁶ Muramatsu used a similar electrode in his studies of LIVGET techniques in mouse testis, concluding that electroporation is superior to microparticle bombardment.⁷

Ordering Information

References

1. Aihara and Miyazaki, Nature Biotechnology, 16: 867-870 (1998)
2. Mir et al., PNAS, 96: 4262-4267 (1999)
3. Personal Communication, Dr. Georg Widera, Genetronics, Inc. (1999)
4. Nakano et al., Human Gene Therapy, 12: 1289-1297 (2001)
5. Widera et al., The Journal of Immunology, 164: 4635-4640 (2000)
6. Nishi et al., Cancer Research, 56: 1050-1055 (1996)
7. Muramatsu et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 233: 45-49 (1997)