Abstract: The present invention concerns transgenic animals that express an abnormaly high level of phospholipase A.sub.2 in their serum, liver, lung, kidney and skin. More particularly rats and mice expressing human non-pancreatic, low molecular weight phospholipase A.sub.2 are disclosed. Although transfected with a normal human gene, the animals develop a variety of pathological signs and produce the enzyme ectopically. The animals of the invention are useful for the testing of compounds to determine whether the compounds possess in vivo activity as phospholipase inhibitors or antagonists suitable for pharmacolgic use.