Objective To observe the expression of pro-urokinase (proUK) gene in rabbit carotid arterytransfected with replication-deficient
adenovirus vector containing proUK gene (Ad/prouk) and the
deposition ofplatelet on the same injured vessel. Methods Ad/proUK (Ad/proUK, 3 ×1010pfu/ml) was injected into the rightcarotid artery locally. Wild type adenovirus (Ad) was locally injected into the left carotid artery as self-control. Theexpression of proUK gene was investigated by immunohistochemistry assay. After injury of the gene-
transfected vesselby electric stimulation, the deposition of 111 In-labeled platelet was quantitatively observed. The thrombosis was ob-served with HE-stained vessel section. Results There were lots of proUK granules in the endJothelium of Ad/proUKgene-transfected vessel. The differences in 111 In-platelets deposition per gram dry weight vessel segment were signifi-cant between Ad/proUK and Ad transfected control vessels <(4. 60±0. 93 )×107 /g vs control (27. 95 ± 4. 93 )×107 /g,P＜0.01)>. The HE-stained vessel section showed that there were only small thrombi in proUK gene-trans-fected vessel but massive thrombi almost blocked up the whole vessel in control vessel. Conclusion The proUKgene-transfected vessel can obviously inhibit 111 In-labeled platelet deposition on injured vessel and thus thrombosis.