Overexpression of ErbB2 in the exocrine pancreas does not result in increased proliferation but induces an inflammatory response

Introduction: Overexpression of tyrosine kinase receptors such as family members of the epidermal growth factor receptors and their respective ligands are frequently observed in pancreatic cancer as well as in chronic pancreatitis. Materials/Methods: Transgenic mice were generated which overexpress ErbB2 under the control of the rat elastase promoter. Pancreas and isolated acini of transgenic mice were analyzed using quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, western blots and EMSAs. Results: Transgenic mice display no increased proliferation rate of acinar and duct cells, no signs of acinar cell damage and accumul…