The Genetic Control of Blood Pressure and Body Composition in Rats with Stress-Sensitive Hypertension

The genetic basis of the stress-sensitive arterial hypertension was investigated using the quantitative trait loci (QTL) approach. Two groups of F-2 (inherited stress-induced arterial hypertension [ISIAH] x Wistar albino Glaxo [WAG]) hybrid males of different age (3-4 months old and 6 months old) were tested for blood pressure at rest and stressed conditions and for body composition traits. Several novel loci for the traits were determined. Some loci for blood pressure and organ weight were mapped to the same genetic region in rats of different age. The dynamic change of QTL effects in two rat groups of different age might reflect the process of stress-sensitive hypertension development.