Myogenic expression of an injectable protease-resistant growth hormone-releasing hormone augments long-term growth in pigs.

Abstract

Ectopic expression of a new serum protease-resistant porcine growth hormone-releasing hormone, directed by an injectable muscle-specific synthetic promoter plasmid vector (pSP-HV-GHRH), elicits growth in pigs. A single 10 mg intramuscular injection of pSP-HV-GHRH DNA followed by electroporation in three-week-old piglets elevated serum GHRH levels by twofold to fourfold, enhanced growth hormone secretion, and increased serum insulin-like growth factor-I by threefold to sixfold over control pigs. After 65 days the average body weight of the pigs injected with pSP-HV-GHRH was approximately 37% greater than the placebo-injected controls and resulted in a significant reduction in serum urea concentration, indicating a decrease in amino acid catabolism. Evaluation of body composition indicated a uniform increase in mass, with no organomegaly or associated pathology.

• Authors: R Draghia-Akli, M L Fiorotto, L A Hill, P B Malone, D R Deaver, R J Schwartz
• Journal: Nature biotechnology (Nat Biotechnol) Vol. 17 Issue 12 Pg. 1179-83 (Dec 1999) ISSN: 1087-0156 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10585714 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
• Growth Hormone
• Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone
• Endopeptidases

Topics

• Animals
• Cells, Cultured
• Endopeptidases (metabolism)
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Gene Transfer Techniques
• Growth Hormone (metabolism)
• Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (genetics, pharmacology)
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (metabolism)
• Male
• Muscle Development
• Muscle, Skeletal (growth & development, metabolism)
• Plasmids
• Swine (growth & development)
• Weight Gain