ANIMAL MODELS FOR THROMBOPATHIES AND CARDIOPATHIES

摘要

A nucleic acid is disclosed consisting of recombinant DNA comprising a gene sequence coding for an Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen leader protein fused to an upstream segment containing a mouse metallothionein-I gene sequence providing promoter and control sequences and fused to a downstream segment containing a human growth hormone gene sequence (hGH). Transgenic animals such as mice produced by incorporating this recombinant DNA at an early embryonic stage into the genome thereof have a substantially increased probability of spontaneously developing blood clotting or thrombi in their circulatory system, especially in the left atrium of the heart, and/or symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy or similar heart dysfuncion. Such animals can be useful for screening and identifying or testing drugs or other substances for antithrombotic or thrombolytic activity or for cardiotherapeutic activity for use in human medicine.