Senescence-Accelerated Mouse (SAM): With Special Reference to Development and Pathobiological Phenotypes

The Senescence-accelerated Mouse (SAM) model, developed at Kyoto University, included 12 inbred strains to study aging and age-related diseases. The model consisted of 9 senescence-prone (SAMP) and 3 senescence-resistant (SAMR) strains, derived from AKR/J mice. SAMP strains exhibited accelerated aging, characterized by decreased activity, hair loss, and shortened lifespan, with significant genetic deviations from the original strain. Notable pathobiological phenotypes included amyloidosis and lymphomas, with a specific genetic variant of apolipoprotein A-II linked to senile amyloidosis. Behavioral studies on SAMP8 and SAMP10 strains revealed age-related cognitive and emotional disorders. The SAM model provided valuable insights into the genetic and biological mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases.