Genetic characterization of novel strains of rats derived from crosses between Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats, and comparisons with their parental strains

Two novel strains of rats have recently been generated from hybrid crosses of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The breeding pairs chosen to create these strains were initially selected on the basis of two mutually exclusive phenotypic traits, so that the rats called WKHT are hypertensive but not hyperactive, whereas the rats called WKHA are hyperactive but not hypertensive. These strains have been refined by inbreeding on a strict brother-sister basis for more than 25 generations. To increase usefulness of these strains, we characterized them by use of genetic methods, including DNA finger-printing and simple sequence length polymorphism (SSLP) analyses. We found that these two novel strains are more closely related genetically to either SHR or WKY rats than the degree to which the latter two strains are related to one another; heterozygosities of SSLP marker alleles were extremely rare in WKHA and WKHT, indicating that these strains can be considered as truly inbred (in contrast to WKY rats from two sources); and it was almost always possible to match the SSLP marker alleles found in WKHA and WKHT rats with similarly sized alleles in the parental SHR and WKY alleles, indicating that the WKHA and WKHT strains constitute true mixes of the genomes of SHR and WKY rats. Furthermore, immunogenetic analyses indicated that WKY and WKHT rats belonged to the RT1 l haplotype, whereas SHR and WKHA rats belonged to the k haplotype. These results extend the usefulness of WKHA and WKHT rats for further genetic and physiologic studies.

Angiotensinogen messenger RNA stabilization by angiotensin II

OBJECTIVE

To further characterize the molecular mechanism whereby angiotensin II stabilizes the angiotensinogen messenger (m)RNA through binding studies of the previously isolated polysomal stabilizing protein to partial and mutagenized sequences of the 3' untranslated region of the gene and to explore its importance to rodent genetic hypertension.

DESIGN

Analysis of angiotensinogen mRNA mutants for half-life and binding to a polysomal protein with a molecular weight of 12000.

METHODS

Protein/RNA interactions were determined in band shift assays employing radiolabelled 3' untranslated region of angiotensinogen mRNA. Measurement of the mRNA half-life used a cell-free incubation system and 3' untranslated region DNA sequences were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloned and sequenced. Sequences of normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) strains were compared. Point mutations were introduced by site directed mutagenesis.

RESULTS

The angiotensinogen 3' untranslated region exhibited specific binding to the polysomal 12000 molecular weight protein which, in an in vitro incubation system, increased 10-fold the half-life of full-length angiotensinogen mRNA; no effect was observed with 3' deleted angiotensinogen mRNA indicating a regulatory function of protein at the 3' untranslated region. Sequence analysis of PCR amplified DNA fragments identified a (G-->C) point mutation in the La Jolla colony SHR. Following introduction of this point mutation into wild-type 3' untranslated regions, protein binding significantly increased (wild-type binding constant, 19 mumol/l; mutant binding constant 3.5 mumol/l), indicating that this point mutation affects 3' untranslated region secondary structure, binding of the RNA stabilizing protein and, consequently, the half-life of angiotensinogen mRNA. Deletion of a U-rich region (position 1609-1613, UCCUU) expressed twice in the 3' untranslated region almost completely abolished protein binding suggesting this sequence as one part of the putative binding motif in the 3' untranslated region.

CONCLUSIONS

Angiotensin II regulates hepatic angiotensinogen synthesis and secretion by inhibiting degradation of angiotensinogen mRNA by the action of a polysomal protein. Mutations in the 3' untranslated region mRNA coding sequence alter binding and half-life and may significantly affect the half-life of angiotensinogen mRNA thereby altering the secretion rate of angiotensinogen.

Adenosine A1 receptor and its gene expression in ventricles from spontaneously hypertensive rats

We characterized the adenosine A1 receptor and the levels of its mRNA expression in the ventricles of 6- and 13-wk-old Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The binding of 2-chloro-[3H]cyclopentyladenosine ([3H]CCPA), an A1 agonist ligand, to ventricular membranes was saturable and reversible. The receptor density was significantly lower in SHR than in WKY at 13 wk. The dissociation constant values were not different among these groups. In Northern blot analysis using rat A1 receptor cDNA, levels of mRNA did not differ significantly in the two groups at 13 wk, but the level in SHR significantly exceeded that in WKY at 6 wk. Because plasma adenosine levels were reported to be increased at 13 wk in SHR and we found mRNA levels were similar at this age, the discrepancy between A1 receptor density and its mRNA levels might be related to the desensitization of A1 receptors. Although the implication of this decreased density of A1 receptors is not known, it may involve an increased susceptibility to ischemia.

Angiotensin II regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in the neuronal cultures of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

In the present study we investigated the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by angiotensin II (Ang II) in an attempt to provide cellular and molecular evidence that this hormone has increased neuromodulatory actions in the spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rat brain. Neuronal cells in primary culture from the hypothalamus-brain stem of both normotensive [Wistar-Kyoto (WKY)] and SH rats have been used. These cultures mimic in vivo situations. Ang II caused a time-dependent increase in TH activity in WKY rat brain neurons. A maximal increase of 2.5-fold was observed with 100 nM Ang II in an actinomycin- and cycloheximide-dependent process. In addition, Ang II caused a parallel increase in TH messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, with a maximal stimulation of 5-fold in 4 h by 100 nM Ang II in WKY rat brain neurons. The stimulation of TH mRNA was mediated by the AT1 receptor subtype, resulted from an increase in its transcription, and involved activation of phospholipase C and protein kinase C. Antisense oligonucleotide for c-fos attenuated Ang II stimulation of TH mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, indicating an involvement of c-fos as a putative third messenger in Ang II stimulation of TH. Ang II also caused stimulation of TH activity and its mRNA levels in neuronal cultures of SH rat brain by a mechanism similar to that observed for neuronal cultures of WKY rat brain, involving AT1 receptors, protein kinase C, and c-fos. However, the stimulation of TH activity and that of TH mRNA were approximately 30% and 80% higher, respectively, in the SH rat brain neurons than those in the WKY rat brain neurons. In vivo experiments have been carried out to validate the elevated response of TH gene expression to Ang II in SH rat brain neuronal cultures. Ang II stimulated both TH activity and TH mRNA levels in the hypothalami and brain stems of adult WKY and SH rats. The level of stimulation in the brain of the SH rat was significantly higher than that in the WKY rat. These observations are consistent with an increase in AT1, receptor gene expression and suggest that increased TH gene expression could be the cellular/molecular basis for the greater neuromodulatory action of Ang II in the SH rat brain.

Alterations in mitochondrial DNA and enzyme activities in hypertrophied myocardium of stroke-prone SHRS

To clarify the pathophysiological alteration of mitochondria in SHRSP hypertrophied heart, mitochondria-related enzyme changes were examined and compared to those in WKY. Furthermore, the structure alteration in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was examined by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Both isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX), which are related to energy production or the respiratory chain in mitochondria, were significantly lower in SHRSP myocardium than in WKY. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD), a potent radical scavenger, was also lower in SHRSP myocardium. RFLPs analysis by Rsa I revealed two deletions in the electrophoretic band in the SHRSP myocardium, but not in the liver. These findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction, especially lower energy production, could be an important factor for the pathogenesis of further myocardial degeneration. The results also suggest that mitochondrial alterations, in the membrane system as well as mtDNA, may be caused by oxidative stress in mitochondria because of decreased scavenging activity.

Cloning, characterization, and genetic mapping of the rat type 2 angiotensin II receptor gene

The renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in blood pressure homeostasis, but the contribution of the type 2 angiotensin II receptor (AT2R) is still unclear. The reports that the AT2R gene has been mapped to the X chromosome in human and rat and the previous report of a gene, Bp3, on the X chromosome responsible for an increase in blood pressure have suggested that the rat AT2R gene (Agtr2) could be this gene. To elucidate whether Agtr2 is Bp3, Agtr2 was cloned. A simple sequence repeat in the 3'-flanking region of this gene was identified and used as a genetic marker to map Agtr2 to the X chromosome at 18.1 cM distal to the androgen receptor locus. This map position is outside the confidence interval reported for Bp3, demonstrating that Agtr2 cannot be Bp3. However, these data will enhance the research into the AT2R biology as well as the study of the X chromosome.

Cloning of the alpha-subunit of GS protein from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Enhanced sodium reabsorption by the kidney has a significant role in the development of genetic hypertension. In the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model of genetic hypertension, the enhanced sodium reabsorption likely arises from abnormal hormonal regulation of tubular transport. Since hormonal signaling pathways are coupled frequently via GTP binding proteins, one explanation for hormonal abnormalities in SHR would be a defect in a GTP binding protein or proteins. Recent work has suggested that the regulation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity by cholera toxin-sensitive GTP binding proteins is abnormal in SHR. The purpose of the present studies was to clone the alpha S-subunit, which is the subunit ADP ribosylated by cholera toxin, of GS protein to determine whether it is abnormal in SHR. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was able to detect mRNA for alpha S in both Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR. Northern analysis indicated that equivalent amounts of alpha S mRNA were present in WKY rats and SHR. S1 nuclease analysis demonstrated that there was no difference in the amount of alpha S short and long forms between WKY rats and SHR. Subcloning and sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products from WKY rats and SHR indicated that the alpha S forms present in renal cortex were identical. ADP ribosylation studies with cholera toxin demonstrated the presence of equivalent amounts of alpha S protein in WKY rats and SHR. Taken together, these results suggest that the abnormal regulation of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity by a cholera toxin-sensitive pathway in SHR does not arise from a defect in the alpha S subunit.

Comparison of salt sensitivity of male and female F2 progeny from crosses between WKY and SHRSP rats

1. The present study compared the salt sensitivity of male and female F2 progeny obtained from crosses between Wistar-Kyoto/Izumo rats and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP A3b/Izm) after salt loading for 7 months. 2. Average systolic blood pressure in male F2 progeny was 10 mmHg higher than that of female F2 progeny at 5 months without salt loading. 3. The blood pressure in male F2 progeny was raised significantly 2 months after salt loading, but there was no further significant change in blood pressure even though salt loading was continued for 5 months. 4. In female F2 progeny, however, a significant change in systolic blood pressure was observed 1 month after salt loading and there was a further significant rise in blood pressure over 6 months. 5. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme and RR1023 loci were strongly linked to systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the male but not the female F2 progeny after salt loading for 7 months. 6. We therefore speculate that the hormonal difference between sexes might influence salt sensitivity in the SHRSP.

Cosegregation of the renin gene with an increase in mean arterial blood pressure in the F2 rats of SHR-WKY cross

Using the restriction endonuclease, BgI I, Samani et al. found a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for the renin gene in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and its normotensive control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. This RFLP was confirmed in our laboratory in SHR and WKY rats using a rat renin cDNA probe. The correlation of blood pressure and the renin RFLP was examined in 106 F2 rats produced from F1 rats, the offspring of a cross between SHR males and WKY females. Systolic blood pressure was measured by the tail cuff method at 12 weeks of age. Mean arterial blood pressure of anesthetized rats was measured by cannulation of the femoral artery prior to sacrifice. The frequency of renin genotype showed a typical 1:2:1 Mendelian ratio in F2 rats of SHR and WKY cross. The mean arterial blood pressure of F2 rats homozygous with the SHR allele was significantly higher than F2 rats that were heterozygous or homozygous for the WKY allele. No significant difference in systolic blood pressure was observed in these F2 rats. Thus, the renin gene RFLP cosegregates with an increase in mean arterial blood pressure in the F2 rats of SHR and WKY cross.

Distribution of kallikrein-binding protein mRNA in kidneys and difference between SHR and WKY rats

We investigated kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) mRNA distribution in the kidney of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and Wistar-Kyoto strain (WKY) rats. Northern blot analysis revealed that KBP mRNA was located mainly in the medulla and with lower amounts in SHR than in WKY rats. KBP mRNA in microdissected nephron segments was detected by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Southern blot analysis. In SD rats, the most abundant signals were consistently found in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), with small amounts in outer medullary collecting duct, proximal convoluted tubule, and glomerulus. No signals were found in connecting tubule and cortical collecting duct. The nephron distribution of KBP mRNA was similar in WKY and SD rats. Only a small amount of signal was found, however, in IMCD of SHR. In conclusion, 1) KBP mRNA was predominantly distributed in the medullary segments of the distal nephron, downstream from the known kallikrein activity site in the collecting duct, and 2) KBP mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the kidney of SHR.

The rat SA gene shows genotype-dependent tissue-specific expression

1. SA is a recently identified gene implicated in blood pressure regulation in rodent models of genetic hypertension. In this study we have examined, by Northern blotting, its expression in tissues of the spontaneously hypertensive rat, the Wistar-Kyoto rat and F2 rats, derived from a cross of the spontaneously hypertensive rat with the Wistar-Kyoto rat. 2. We demonstrate that the gene is expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Expression was detected in four sites: kidney, liver, brain and testes. 3. In the kidney and liver expression was higher in the spontaneously hypertensive rat than in the Wistar-Kyoto rat, whereas in the brain and testes the pattern was reversed. 4. In the F2 rats, the levels of SA mRNA in the liver, brain and testes were found to be primarily determined by the genotype at the SA gene locus. 5. The findings suggest the presence of strain-specific cis- and more than one tissue-specific trans-acting factors regulating the expression of the rat SA gene.

A new restriction fragment length polymorphism in the first intron of the spontaneously hypertensive rat renin gene

1. Amplification of the entire first intron of the renin gene of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) followed by Bgl II digestion uncovered a new deletion (approximately 50 bp) which exists upstream of the SHR renin gene first intron tandem repeat element. 2. The SHR tandem repeat element was 600 bp shorter than that in the WKY while the WKY tandem repeat element was 280 bp shorter than that in the SD. 3. Since elements regulating gene expression are known to exist in the first intron of other genes, this new restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) might play a role in the reported overexpression of the SHR renin gene independent of changes in the length of the tandem repeat element.

Angiotensin converting enzyme and genetic hypertension: cloning of rat cDNAs and characterization of the enzyme

Using genetic mapping approaches, a gene on chromosome 10, Bp1, has been identified in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) in the same region that contains the gene for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Since ACE plays an important role in blood pressure regulation, the ACE gene is a leading candidate for Bp1. To examine the possibility that a structural abnormality of ACE exists in the SHRSP, we cloned and characterized the cDNAs for the Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY) and SHRSP ACE. Both cDNAs encode a single polypeptide of 1,313 amino acid residues with an estimated molecular weight of 150.9 KDa. Five nucleotide differences were identified between the WKY and the SHRSP ACE cDNAs. One of these differences resulted in an amino acid substitution (Lys-207 in the WKY to Arg-207 in the SHRSP). But the enzymatic properties of partially purified ACE from the two strains were similar. Thus the data suggest that an alteration in the primary structure of rat ACE does not contribute to the hypertension in the SHRSP.

Chromosomal mapping of genetic locus associated with thymus-size enlargement in BUF/Mna rats

The thymoma-prone rat of the BUF/Mna strain is a useful model for human thymoma. In this strain thymoma development is regulated by a single autosomal susceptible gene, Tsr-1. At pre-thymoma age, BUF/Mna rats have extremely large thymuses, when compared to those of other strains of rats. Genetic studies in crosses between BUF/Mna rats with large thymuses and WKY/NCrj rats with small thymuses suggested the presence of a major autosomal gene, Ten-1, which contributes to thymus enlargement in a backcross population. Linkage studies between Ten-1 and microsatellite markers in backcross rats of (WKY/NCrj x BUF/Mna)F1 x BUF/Mna have led to the localization of Ten-1 in chromosome 1. This result may provide an approach to clone Tsr-1, which could be allelic to Ten-1.

[Cosegregation studies in spontaneously hypertensive rats]

SHR (spontaneously hypertensive rat) is the most popular genetic hypertensive model rat. Using the F2 progeny obtained from SHR and normotensive rats, for example, WKY (Wistar-Kyoto rat), many cosegregation studies to find the genes responsible for blood pressure have been done. In this review, we present some studies using F2 rats concerning candidate genes, renin, kallikrein, sodium potassium-ATPase, heat shock protein 70, angiotensin converting enzyme, phospholipase C-delta 1 and SA gene to show whether these genes really associate with blood pressure. We discuss the signification of these genes in the process of producing SHR and stroke-prone SHR from WKY. We hope these studies will lead to identify the mechanism of human essential hypertension.

The hypertensive Y chromosome elevates blood pressure in F11 normotensive rats

Our laboratory has shown that the Y chromosome has a significant effect on blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model of hypertension and that the testes and androgen receptor contribute to the blood pressure rise. As an extension of our research, we have developed two new rat strains, SHR/a and SHR/y (F11) to study the Y chromosome. The objectives of the following research were 1) to study the blood pressure of rats with an SHR Y chromosome in a normotensive genetic background (SHR/y) or a normotensive Y chromosome in an SHR genetic background (SHR/a), 2) to determine the effect of male sex phenotype on the blood pressure of these rats, 3) to determine if testosterone replacement in castrated rats would restore blood pressure, and 4) to determine whether the Y chromosome from the SHR/y strain when crossed with a normotensive female can induce hypertension in androgen receptor-deficient male offspring. Blood pressure of male SHR/y rats was significantly higher than that of normotensive Wistar-Kyoto males (p < 0.01), and SHR/a males had significantly lower blood pressure compared with that of the parent SHR strain (p = 0.05). Testosterone replacement in castrated rats of both strains (SHR/a and SHR/y) restored blood pressure to control levels. Normotensive female King-Holtzman rats heterozygous for the testicular feminization gene were crossed with F11 SHR/a and SHR/y males.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium transport and Ca(2+)-ATPase gene expression in thoracic and abdominal aortas of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration has been associated with the elevation of vascular tone in hypertensive animals. The increase in free cytosolic Ca2+ may partially result from a reduced activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium pump. Accordingly we investigated the Ca2+ transport function and the expression of the Ca(2+)-ATPase gene in thoracic and abdominal aortas of normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Total SR Ca2+ pump activity was estimated by measuring the oxalate-stimulated Ca2+ transport rate on crude homogenates. Ca2+ transport was also measured on highly active microsomal fractions. Our data indicate that the Ca2+ uptake rate, expressed per mg of protein or per g of muscle, is greater in homogenates from aortas of SHR when compared with that of WKY rats. In microsomal fractions isolated from thoracic aortas of SHR compared with WKY rats, the activity and density of SR Ca2+ pump were only slightly increased. The SR Ca2+ transport rate and the amount of each SR Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA isoform, i.e. SERCA 2a and SERCA 2b, normalized to 18 S ribosomal RNA, were greater in thoracic than in abdominal aorta in both strains. When compared with WKY rats, the level of each SERCA mRNA isoform is higher in the abdominal aorta of SHR but appears similar in the thoracic aorta. Thus, in contrast to previously published data that documented a depressed SR Ca2+ transport activity in the aorta of SHR, the present data indicate that the SR function is increased. These changes in SR activity are accompanied by quantitative changes in expression of the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase gene without alterations in the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA isoforms pattern.

Organ specificity of the dopamine1 receptor/adenylyl cyclase coupling defect in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The coupling between the dopamine1 (DA1) receptor and the G protein/adenylyl cyclase (AC) enzyme complex is defective in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of 20-wk-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Because this coupling defect could have been due to desensitization secondary to elevated renal dopamine levels in the adult animal, we studied the interaction between DA1 receptors and AC in PCT of rats as early as 3 wk of age, a time when renal dopamine levels are similar in SHRs and their normotensive controls (Wistar-Kyoto rats, WKYs). Maximum receptor density did not change with age and was similar in WKYs and SHRs in all the age groups studied (3, 8, and 20 wk). Basal-, forskolin-, and guanyl nucleotide-stimulated AC activities were also similar in WKYs and SHRs and did not change with age. However, the DA1 agonist-stimulated AC activity was greater in WKYs than in SHRs and increased with age in WKYs but not in SHRs. Moreover, the ability of a nonhydrolyzable analogue of GTP, Gpp(NH)p, to enhance DA1 agonist (SND-919-C12, 1 microM)-stimulated AC activity increased with age in WKY but not in SHRs. To determine if the defect noted in the PCT of SHRs is due to a defective D1A receptor gene, parallel studies were performed in the striatum, since this receptor is expressed predominantly in the latter tissue. In contrast to the results in PCT, radioligand binding and AC studies in striatum revealed no differences between WKYs and SHRs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Non convulsive spike-wave discharges do not induce Fos in cerebro-cortical neurons

Immunohistochemical localisation of Fos was used as a marker of neuronal activity to demonstrate neurons active during non-convulsive spike-wave epilepsy. Fos-positive neurons in cortex and several subcortical areas were counted. In undisturbed animals. Fos counts were not related to spike-wave in any region. With the electroencephalographic (EEG) recording procedure. Fos induction occurred in all regions, even after habituation. However, in central cortex, counts were found to be inversely related to spike-wave duration. This suggests that neuronal activity is not increased during spike-wave and that the central cortex in these animals is less responsive to arousal than in non-epileptic animals.

A new genetic locus cosegregating with blood pressure in F2 progeny obtained from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto rats

BACKGROUND

Segregation studies using genomic polymorphisms on F2 progeny obtained from hypertensive rat models showed that a putative hypertensive gene is located close to the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene. However, it was suggested that additional major genes should contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension.

METHODS

F2 rats were obtained from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats of Izumo colony. Blood pressure was measured with a photoelectronic oscillometric tail-cuff method before and during salt loading. Genomic DNA was extracted from livers and digested with HaeIII or Rsal. DNA fingerprinting was performed with 26 32P-labelled human variable number of tandem repeats markers.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven fingerprint bands polymorphic between SHRSP and WKY were obtained. When the distribution of these bands in the F2 progeny was studied, one fingerprint band (1/MCT96.1) showed a distorted distribution between the high- and low-blood pressure subpopulations of the F2 rats, suggesting that the band cosegregated with blood pressure. When blood pressure was compared between the F2 rats with [(+) rats] and without [(-) rats] the 1/MCT96.1 band, it was found that (-) rats had significantly higher basal and salt-loaded blood pressures than (+) rats. The 1/MCT96.1 locus was also shown to have no positive linkage with the ACE locus.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that examination of the allele distribution between subpopulations with extreme phenotype can be used in the screening of loci cosegregating with blood pressure. Furthermore, a locus not in the ACE region, showing cosegregation with blood pressure in F2 progeny from SHRSP and WKY rats, was found.

Molecular genetics of the SA-gene: cosegregation with hypertension and mapping to rat chromosome 1

OBJECTIVES

The SA-gene shows markedly higher levels of expression in the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) than in their non-hypertensive reference strain, the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat. Based on the important role of the kidney in blood pressure regulation, the possibility has been raised that this gene, the translational product of which remains unknown, may participate in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension. The present study was conducted to test this hypothesis and to ascertain the chromosomal localization of the SA-gene.

DESIGN

A cosegregation study was performed using an F2 intercross between stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP) and WKY rats, and a previously described restriction fragment length polymorphism of the SA-gene for characterization of genotype. Mapping of the SA-gene was accomplished by screening a somatic cell-hybrid panel and by linkage group analysis.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in systolic blood pressure was found after sodium loading, but not under basal conditions between groups of rats defined by zygosity at the SA locus, consistent with a hypertensive effect of the SHRSP allele. No effect of SA genotype on diastolic blood pressure was observed. The SA-gene was localized on rat chromosome 1.

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes the SA locus on chromosome 1 as a region in which a gene or genes contributing to blood pressure regulation in this model are localized, and provides further evidence for a possible role of the SA-gene in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Further evidence of the SA gene as a candidate gene contributing to the hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rat

We have recently reported that the allele of the SA gene of the Spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) has a capacity to influence blood pressure in a F2 rat population prepared from SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rat. In the present study, we have undertaken a similar genetic co-segregation analysis of the F2 rat population prepared from SHR and Lewis rat. The result indicated that, although overall effects of the SA gene genotypes on blood pressure were not significant, a correlation of the genotypes of the SA gene with blood pressure was significantly observed in the female rats of this population. The present results further strengthen our hypothesis that the SA gene, or a gene closely linked to this gene, has a capacity to influence blood pressure.

Hypotensive effect associated with a phospholipase C-δ1 gene mutation in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

To identify the genes responsible for blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat strain, we performed a cosegregation analysis between the genotype and blood pressure in a set of male F2 rats obtained by crossmating SHR with Wistar-Kyoto rats, a parental normotensive strain. Our investigation revealed that the phospholipase C-delta 1 polymorphism, which resulted in missense mutation, cosegregates with the lower blood pressure in SHR, and that PLC-delta 1 gene is located on chromosome 8. On the other hand, we found the lack of cosegregation between blood pressure and the nerve growth factor receptor gene, which is linked to a hypertensinogenic gene locus (denoted as BP/SP-1) on chromosome 10. We propose that PLC-delta 1 gene itself of closely linked gene on chromosome 8 is a new candidate with the hypotensive effect, and that BP-SP1 locus does not directly contribute to blood pressure elevation in original SHR.