A Genetic Polymorphism in the Renin Gene of Dahl Rats Cosegregates with Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is influenced by multiple genetic loci whose identities are largely unknown. A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in the renin gene was found between Dahl salt-hypertension--sensitive (S) and Dahl salt-hypertension--resistant (R) rats. In an F$_{2}$ population derived from crossing S and R rats, the renin RFLP cosegregated with blood pressure. One dose of the S-rat renin allele was associated with an increment in blood pressure of approximately 10 mmHg, and two doses of this allele increased blood pressure approximately 20 mmHg. From this it can be definitively concluded that in the rat the renin gene is, or is closely linked to, one of the genes regulating blood pressure.