ABSTRACT
This chapter will focus on small-animal genetic models which have provided the most important insights into the origins of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), with some consideration given to transgenic and knockout animals. It provides an update on some of the animal models currently available. The chapter considers what has already been learned from the study of such animals and future prospects. Type II or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for ~85% of cases. A combination of both insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion is required for NIDDM to manifest itself. The defining phenotypes of the monogenic rodent models include obesity, hyperinsulinemia, transient or sustained hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. A leptin receptor cDNA was isolated from a murine choroid plexus library using an expression cloning system. The agouti mouse is believed to have first appeared in China, where it was treated as a curiosity because of its brilliant yellow hair color.
