Galactose-1 phosphate uridyl transferase deficiency in the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus; marsupialia): a model system for gene therapy studies.

The western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) was found to be deficient for galactose-1 phosphate uridyl transferase (GPUT). This species could be used therefore for studies of gene therapy techniques. An improved GPUT assay procedure was developed. It was found that phage particles injected intravenously remain in the blood of kangaroos until the particles are removed by the reticuloendothelial system or, if this system is overloaded, the particles are inactivated by the immune system four days later. No effective transgenosis was detected of the bacterial gal operon contained in the phage used.