Diabetes induced in male transgenic mice by expression of human H-ras oncoprotein in pancreatic β cells

Shimon Efrat, Norman Fleischer, Douglas Hanahan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transgenic mice expressing an insulin-promoted H-ras hybrid gene in pancreatic β cells developed β-cell degeneration and diabetes. The disease was manifested in male mice by hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and reduced plasma insulin levels, which appeared around 5 months of age and led to premature death. Histological analyses revealed large holes within the islets of Langerhans and a reduced number of β cells. The destruction of the islets was not associated with an obvious inflammatory activity. Ultrastructural analysis showed extensive engorgement in the endoplasmic reticulum of the residual β cells from diabetic males. The females carrying the insulin-promoted ras gene did not manifest any of the physiological abnormalities observed in males and showed only minor histological and ultrastructural changes, even at much greater ages.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1779-1783
Number of pages5
JournalMolecular and cellular biology
Volume10
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1990

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Diabetes induced in male transgenic mice by expression of human H-ras oncoprotein in pancreatic β cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this