Figure 3.

Toxicity and biodistribution profile after systemic administration of canine adenoviruses in immunocompetent mice. Balb/C immunocompetent mice were injected intravenously with PBS or 1 × 10¹¹ viral particles of CAV2, CAV2RGD, ICOCAV15, or ICOCAV17. The average values for (a) percentage of body weight variation during all the experiment and (b) platelet concentration, (c) leukocyte concentration, and (d) serum transaminases at day 3 after administration. (e) Biodistribution of CAV2 and CAV2RGD in mice tissues. Tissues were harvested 3 days after administration, snap frozen, and quantitatibe polymerase chain reaction assayed for the presence of viruses. Results are reported as viral genomes per milligram of tissue. ($) Blood concentration is reported as viral genomes per milliliter of blood. Mean values ± SD of n = 5 mice/group are depicted. *Statistical significance compared with groups injected with viruses (P < 0.05) by two-tailed unpaired Student's t-test. ^#Statistical significance compared with CAV2 (P < 0.05) by two-tailed unpaired Student's t-test. ^§Statistical significance compared with CAV2RGD (P < 0.05) by two-tailed unpaired Student's t-test.·Statistical significance compared with PBS (P < 0.05) by two-tailed unpaired Student's t-test. ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; CNS, central nervous system; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline.