ONTOGENIC REGULATION OF MOUSE REN-2(D) RENIN GENE IN TRANSGENIC HYPERTENSIVE RATS, TGR(MREN2)27

TGR(mREN2)27 is a new monogenetic rat model with fulminant hypertensio n, low kidney renin, and high extra-renal renin gene expression. This study characterizes and compares expression of the Ren-2 gene in TGR(m REN2)27 with that in DBA/2 mice and with renin gene expression in rats . Except in the submandibular gland, the tissue-specific expression of Ren-2 is similar in TGR(mREN2)27 and DBA/2. This demonstrates mainten ance of tissue specificity. Organs that are involved in cardiovascular regulation, such as the adrenal gland, kidney, and brain, express the Ren-2 gene before hypertension has developed, consistent with the pos sibility of a causal relationship between transgene expression in thes e tissues and hypertension. Because these tissues express the renin ge ne in non-transgenic rats as well, we suggest that this model can be u sed to study the regulation of renin gene expression and its role in h ypertension at these sites. In addition, as an indication that interac tions may exist between blood pressure and renin gene expression, we d escribe reciprocal changes in blood pressure and Ren-2 mRNA levels in the kidney and brain.