MODELS OF EXPERIMENTAL-HYPERTENSION IN MICE

Experimental models of hypertension in various animals are useful in t he research of vasoactive mechanisms. Recombinant DNA technology has p roduced genetically engineered animals, mostly mice, useful in hyperte nsion research. However, the development of hypertensive models in mic e is fraught with technical difficulties. We describe here thr success ful development in mice of two common types of experimental hypertensi on the renovascular two-kidney, one clip and mineralocorticoid deoxyco rticosterone-salt models. By adapting technology previously used in ra ts, we succeeded in developing hypertension (defined as systolic press ures higher than 140 mm Hg) in more than 50% of mice so treated. We al so adapted the methodology for indirect tail-cuff blood pressure measu rements as well as for direct intra-arterial monitoring of blood press ure in conscious, freely moving mice. Application of these techniques in transgenic or gene knockout mice with altered vasoactive hormones o r receptors should allow elucidation of the role of the target gene pr oducts in various types of hypertension.