Hypertension Models

Greentech provides a comprehensive portfolio of validated hypertension animal models and preclinical pharmacology services to support cardiovascular drug discovery and development. Backed by an experienced scientific team and robust research platforms, we deliver high-quality pharmacodynamic studies that support both domestic and international IND submissions.

Our Animal Models of Hypertension

1. Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) Model

Induction: Genetic model (spontaneous hypertension)

Animals: SHR rat

Characteristics: The SHR is the most widely used genetic model of essential hypertension. Blood pressure typically begins to increase at 4–6 weeks of age and exceeds 200 mmHg in adulthood. The model closely resembles human essential hypertension and develops characteristic complications, including cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and renal dysfunction. It is widely used for studies of hypertension pathogenesis, target-organ injury, and preclinical evaluation of antihypertensive therapies.

2. Dahl Salt-Sensitive (Dahl/SS) Rat Model

Induction: High-salt diet (4–8% NaCl)

Species: Dahl salt-sensitive rat

Characteristics: A high-salt diet induces hypertension in Dahl/SS rats, accompanied by pathological changes such as cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and hypertensive nephropathy. This well-established model closely mimics salt-sensitive hypertension in humans and is widely used to investigate disease mechanisms as well as cardiovascular and renal complications associated with hypertension.

3. Renovascular Hypertension Model (Two-Kidney, One-Clip; 2K1C)

Induction: Partial constriction of the left renal artery using a silver clip or ligature (approximately 50–80% stenosis)

Species: Mouse or rat

Characteristics: The 2K1C model reproduces renovascular hypertension through activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). Blood pressure typically begins to increase approximately two weeks after surgery, with stable hypertension developing within 4–5 weeks. This reproducible model is widely used to investigate RAAS-mediated hypertension and evaluate antihypertensive interventions.

4. Angiotensin II (Ang II)-Induced Hypertension with Cardiac Hypertrophy Model

Induction: Continuous subcutaneous infusion of Ang II using an osmotic mini-pump

Species: Male C57BL/6 mice

Characteristics: Continuous Ang II infusion reliably induces hypertension and RAAS activation. Sustained treatment for 1–2 weeks results in cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiac injury. This model is widely employed for studies of RAAS-associated hypertension and hypertensive cardiac remodeling.

Study Endpoints

Greentech offers comprehensive efficacy assessment, including:

      1) Hematology and serum biochemistry

      2) Blood pressure monitoring (including continuous non-invasive blood pressure measurement)

      3) Electrocardiography (ECG)

      4) Echocardiography for assessment of systolic and diastolic cardiac function

      5) Histopathology of the heart and kidney, including H&E, Masson's trichrome, PAS (kidney), WGA (heart), and additional staining methods upon request

Representative Studies

1. Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) Model

Figure 1. Blood pressure, renal function, and kidney index in the SHR model.

2. Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rat Model

Figure 2. Blood pressure changes in Dahl salt-sensitive rats following induction with an 8% high-salt diet. After two weeks of high-salt feeding, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were significantly increased compared with the low-salt control group. After six weeks, systolic blood pressure exceeded 200 mmHg in the high-salt group.

Figure 3. Representative renal histopathology in the Dahl salt-sensitive hypertension model, demonstrating severe kidney injury in hypertensive animals.

Figure 5. Cardiac hypertrophy and impaired cardiac contractile function in the Dahl salt-sensitive hypertension model.

References

1. Oparil, S., & Schmieder, R. E. (2015). New Approaches in the Treatment of Hypertension. Circulation Research, 116(6), 1074–1095.

2. Sztuka, K., & Jasińska-Stroschein, M. (2017). Animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 6126 animals. Pharmacological Research, 125, 201–214.

Inquiries

Request a quote now, or email us at BD@greentech-bio.com to inquire about our services or obtain a quote for your project.