Gene expression in the brain and the control of blood pressure

Identification of genes involved in initiation or maintenance of hypertension is complicated by the possibility that blood pressure may not be directly regulated. However, a promising avenue of investigation would be to look for biochemical abnormalities associated with hypertension in a genetically defined strain of rats, and to analyze the structural and functional features of the genes which subserve the relevant biochemical pathways. Recent major advances in recombinant DNA and gene transfer technology should facilitate such studies. Within 10 years the important genetic markers of hypertension in man should be defined at a molecular level.