title: Animal models for the study of primary and secondary hypertension in humans.
abstract: Hypertension is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is defined as systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP/DBP) >140 and 90 mmHg, respectively. Individuals with an SBP between 120 and 139, or DBP between 80 and 89 mmHg, are said to exhibit pre-hypertension. Hypertension can have primary or secondary causes. Primary or essential hypertension is a multifactorial disease caused by interacting environmental and polygenic factors. Secondary causes are renovascular hypertension, renal disease, endocrine disorders and other medical conditions. The aim of the present review article was to examine the different animal models that have been generated for studying the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying hypertension. Their advantages, disadvantages and limitations will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Hiu Yu
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Yee Ting
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1AG, UK.
authors.forename: Yin Wah
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tse
keywords: animal models; endothelium; hypertension; mouse; rat; vascular function