Patent ID: 6166287
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: A01K,C07K,C12N

Abstract:
A method of screening for compounds useful in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome, said method comprising administering test compound(s) to a transgenic mouse whose genome comprises a DNA sequence comprising a rat corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) gene operably linked to a mouse metallothionein (MT) promoter, wherein said mouse expresses said gene encoding rat CRF in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus at a level equivalent, or marginally elevated, as compared to endogenous levels of mouse CRF in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of a wild-type mouse, and wherein expression levels of said gene encoding rat CRF are sufficient to effect phenotypic changes consistent with Cushing's disease and anxiety in said mouse, and monitoring for improvement in symptoms characteristic of Cushing's syndrome.