TGF-beta 1 overexpression in murine pancreas induces chronic pancreatitis and together with TNF-alpha, triggers insulin-dependent diabetes

We have generated transgenic mice overexpressing TGF-beta 1 in pancreatic beta cells. This resulted in massive fibrosis of the pancreas; in adult mice, most of the acini were replaced by fibrotic and adipose tissues. A conspicuous disorganisation of the islets of Langerhans was also observed, however, the number of beta cells was not decreased and the mice were normoglycemic. Backcrossing to transgenic mice overexpressing TNF-alpha in their islet beta cells (which also remain normoglycemic, (1)) yielded double transgenics, most of which became diabetic by the age of 4 months; histological analysis revealed a dramatic decrease in insulin-containing beta cells. (Part of this work has been reported in abstract form, Experientia 51, p. A9, February 1995). (C) 1995 Academic Press. Inc.