beta-Catenin-accumulated crypts in the colonic mucosa of juvenile ApcMin/+ mice

Cancer Lett. 2006 Jul 28;239(1):123-8. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2005.07.033. Epub 2005 Sep 15.

Abstract

Although Apc(Min/+) mice are widely used for an animal model of human familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a majority of intestinal polyps locate in the small intestine. We recently reported that numerous beta-catenin-accumulated crypts (BCAC), which are reliable precursor lesions for colonic adenocarcinoma, develop in the large bowel of aged Apc(Min/+) mice. In this study, we determined the presence and location of BCAC in the large intestine of juvenile Apc(Min/+) mice (3 and 5 weeks of age). Surprisingly, BCAC were noted in the colon of even Apc(Min/+) mice of both ages, and mainly located in the distal and middle segments of the colon. Also, a few microadenomas were detected in Apc(Min/+) mice of 5-week old. Our results may indicate need of further investigation of the colorectal mucosa of Apc(Min/+) mice for examining colorectal carcinogenesis using Apc(Min/+) mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / metabolism*
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / genetics
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / metabolism*
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / pathology
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Colon / metabolism*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Genes, APC / physiology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • beta Catenin