Effects of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Delivered by Plasmid Injection and Electroporation on the Immune Function and Body Condition Scores in Holstein Heifers

Abstract

Novel DNA-based technologies were recently introduced for various purposes, including to direct the in vivo production of hormones and other peptides for therapeutic or preventative applications. Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) is a hypothalamic hormone with both direct and indirect effects on the maintenance of health and immune status under an array of conditions. Our previous studies have shown that delivery of optimized plasmids by intramuscular injection followed by electroporation is scalable and represents a promising approach for long-term stable production of GHRH in pigs and dogs. We have now tested this approach to optimize GHRH levels in Holstein heifers, and characterized the effects of the therapy on the immune and health status of the treated subjects and controls.