Animal Models
In the past, most studies on experimental hypertension were carried out on dogs. Currently rats are the preferred animal species. Spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR), the genetic strain of hypertensive rat, is the animal of choice for screening antihypertensive agents. SHR is the cornerstone of medical research in experimental hypertension.
Rabbits, monkeys, pigs and mice are also used to produce experimental hypertension.
Fang Leong. (2015) Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research: Hypertension and Atherosclerosis. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/528757/
In the past, most studies on experimental hypertension were carried out on dogs. Currently rats are the preferred animal species. Spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR), the genetic strain of hypertensive rat, is the animal of choice for screening antihypertensive agents. SHR is the cornerstone of medical research in experimental hypertension.
Rabbits, monkeys, pigs and mice are also used to produce experimental hypertension.
Fang Leong. (2015) Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research: Hypertension and Atherosclerosis. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/528757/
Hypertensive rat genome sequence expected to uncover genetic basis of human hypertension- by Johanna A.
Hypertension, is a serious health risk factor but the basis of the disease remains poorly understood. In a new study, scientists have sequenced the genome of the spontaneously hypertensive rat, building a catalog of genetic variants that will help researchers understand causes of the disease in humans. The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) strain is the most widely studied animal model of human hypertension. Research on this has identified many regions that likely are responsible for the hypertension phenotype, however without a complete sequence of the hypertensive rat genome, it has been difficult to resolve many of these genomic changes and explore their molecular consequences. This is why rats were used in a new study led by Timothy Aitman. The group expected that the genome sequence would reveal mutations disrupting a number of genes in the SHR strain, however the number of mutated genes they found was surprising -- 788 genes are mutated in SHR compared to the reference genome. This has helped scientists understand hypertension in humans more.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. (2010). Hypertensive rat genome sequence expected to uncover genetic basis of human hypertension. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 17, 2017 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100428173328.htm
Hypertension Animal Testing- by Cazmere Mitchell
Hypertension is among the most common causes of mortality in both developed and developing countries. Experimental animal models of hypertension have become a valuable tool for providing information on etiology, pathophysiology, and complications of the disease. Animal testing for Hypertension also helps with understanding various drugs and compounds used in treatment. An animal model has been developed to study hypertension for several reasons. Compared to human models, an animal model is easily manageable, as compounding effects of dietary and environmental factors can be controlled. Blood vessels and cardiac tissue samples can be taken for detailed experimental and bi-molecular examination. Choice of animal model is often determined by the research aim, as well as financial and technical factors. A thorough understanding of the animal models used and complete analysis must be validated so that the data can be helpful to humans. In conclusion, animal models for hypertension are valuable in improving our understanding of disease, high blood pressure and developing new pharmacological therapies. Many animals are suitable due to their similarity in anatomical basis and physiological functions with humans. Chimpanzees and mice share about 99% and 98% of DNA with humans. As a result, animals have the tendency to be affected by many health problems afflicting humans. Therefore, Scientist uses these animals because they are good models for the study of human diseases.
H. (2015, May 03). Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research: Hypertension and Atherosclerosis. Retrieved April 26, 2017, from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/528757/