Experiment 2. Expression of hFIX in Transfected Hemophilia B Mice:

The aim of this study is to determine whether the bleeding disorder in factor IX-deficient hemophilia mice can be corrected through transduction with rAAV-MFG-hFIX.

The ELISA assay was used to measure the serum factor levels of hFIX. Bleeding times were determined on these same mice. The hemophilia B mice were all infused with normal, mouse plasma prior to transduction with the rAAV-hFIX. Bleeding times were determined by transecting the mice tails and measuring the time in minutes for clotting to occur.

Why was the plasma infusion necessary?

Because of the severe bleeding associated with hemophilia B mice the mice were given the normal mouse plasma to expand their blood volume or prevent bleeding before gene transfer since it is an invasive technique.

What, if any effects would you see on the bleeding correction tests due to the infusion of normal mouse plasma?

Since normal mouse plasma contains serum factors, including factor IX, there would be an initial improvement in the bleeding times of the hemophilia B mice, however this would be a transient improvement and would disappear with time.

To view the results of this experiment, click here