A transgenic non-human mammal whose germ cells and somatic cells contain the sequence of the PVLT antigen under the direct control of a non-polyoma virus promoter sequence preferably an inducible promoter sequence. This fusion gene is introduced into the non-human mammal or an ancestor thereof at an embryonic state. The resulting non-human mammal is characterized by an enhanced propensity towards the development of cardiomyopathy. Also within the scope of the present invention is a method for inducing cardiomyopathy in a non-human mammal. This method comprises introducing into a non-human mammal or an ancestor thereof at an embryonic stage, a fusion gene comprising the above-mentioned sequence to produce transformed embryos. The surviving transformed embryos are implanted into pseudopregnant females and the resulting progeny is screened for the presence of transgenes.
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