The Ins2AkitaMouse as a Model of Early Retinal Complications in Diabetes

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Abstract
Purpose. This study tested the Ins2Akita mouse as an animal model of retinal complications in diabetes. The Ins2Akita mutation results in a single amino acid substitution in the insulin 2 gene that causes misfolding of the insulin protein. The mutation arose and is maintained on the C57BL/6J background. Male mice heterozygous for this mutation have progressive loss of β-cell function, decreased pancreatic β-cell density, and significant hyperglycemia, as early as 4 weeks of age.