title: Transgenic mouse models and peptide producing endocrine tumours: morpho-functional aspects.
abstract: Three transgenic mouse models which proved to develop endocrine tumours are reviewed and discussed. The neoplasms were induced through the production of the transforming oncoprotein simian virus 40 (SV40) large T-antigen. The SV40/metallothionein-growth hormone (MGH), the insulin/SV40 (INS/SV40) and the vasopressin/SV40 (AVP/SV40) transgenic mice models all developed endocrine tumours of pancreas mainly composed of insulin-producing B cells, with a minor PP cell component. In the pancreata of INS/SV40 and AVP/SV40 transgenic mice, non-tumour lesions (hyperplasia and dysplasia) were also described. AVP/SV40 transgenic mice presented tumour genesis in anterior pituitary too. The usefulness of transgenic mouse models in reproducing human pathology is outlined with special reference to genetically dependent tumours.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rindi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Solcia
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Polak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005796:Genes; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000235:genetics*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics*; D009857:Oncogenes
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides