Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytomas often develop in old, irradiated parabiotic NEDH rats. We have transplanted one for 2 years that is hormonally active. Subcutaneous transplants are successful in NEDH rats but do not take in the Sprague-Dawley strain. Transplant-bearing adolescent animals at first gained weight more rapidly than the controls, then lost weight and died within 30 to 60 days. Systolic blood pressure rose to an average of 167 mm Hg. Vanilmandelic acid and urinary metanephrines were sharply elevated, and there was extensive renal damage. This provides a useful experimental model for the disease in man.