Transgenic mice as animal model of Cushing's syndrome
Helseth, A.; Bautch, V.L.; Haug, E.; Holm, R.; Nesland, J.M.; Fodstad, O.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 113(2): 206-210
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 8381565 Document Number: 421161
Transgenic mice were generated with the polyoma early region promoter linked to cDNA encoding polyoma large T antigen (PyLT). Light microscopic examination showed up to 5 mm large pituitary adenomas in clinically ill transgenic mice. The tumour cells showed positive ACTH immuno-reactivity. The adrenal glands of clinically ill mice showed an increase in weight and exhibited medullary hyperplasia. These findings were unexpected, and might have been caused by transgene expression in the neuroendocrine cells of the adrenal medulla. Plasma ACTH measurements showed significantly increased levels in clinically ill PyLT-1 transgenic mice.