Patent ID: 6037521
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: A01K,C07K,C12N

Abstract:
A transgenic mouse whose somatic and germ cells comprise a transgene operatively linked to a .beta.-actin ("".beta.a"") promoter, wherein said transgene encodes a 99 to 103 amino acid carboxy-terminus of human .beta.-amyloid protein, wherein said transgene is further operatively linked to an enhancer, wherein expression of said transgene results in said mouse exhibiting .beta.-amyloid deposits in its brain; neuronal cell death; abnormally-phosphorylated tau protein; an increase in the number of glial cells; an alteration in the splicing pattern of endogenous APP transcripts; and reduced behavioral activity in tests selected from the group consisting of open field test, a passive avoidance test, and a Morris-type water maze test.