Generation of Transgenic Rats Using Microinjection of Plasmid DNA or Lentiviral Vectors

The rat is an important system for modeling of human disease. The use of transgenesis is relatively uncommon in rats. In this chapter, we focus on describing efficient techniques for the generation of transgenic rats by microinjection of plasmid DNA into pronuclei and the injection of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-derived lentiviral vectors into the perivitelline space of one-cell fertilized eggs. We have specifically developed optimal conditions for superovulation of prepubescent female Sprague-Dawley (CD) strains and optimal conditions for microinjection and embryo transfer into foster mothers.