GENETIC-ANALYSIS OF RENIN GENE-EXPRESSION IN THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM OF SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

Renin expression in the central nervous system in spontaneously hypert ensive rats (SHR) has been reported to be higher than that in age-matc hed Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. In the present study, we examined the mec hanisms of enhancement of renin mRNA concentration in the brainstem of SHR using F-2 hybrid rats derived from cross-breeding SHR with WKY. T he SHR allele of the renin gene was significantly associated with high er brain renin mRNA concentration in both 10- and 24-week-old F-2 popu lations. However, neither the genotype of the renin gene nor the brain renin mRNA concentration was associated with blood pressure or urinar y volume. Thus, the higher renin mRNA concentration in the brainstem o f SHR was indicated to be genetically determined by the genotype of th e renin gene. Further study is required to clarify the pathophysiologi cal meaning of this increased renin expression in the brain of SHR. (C ) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.