ABSTRACT
Experimental animal models are especially advantageous for genetic studies for several reasons. First, the use o f inbred animals eliminates the problem of genetic heterogeneity within a strain and in crosses between strains. Second, large numbers o f animals can be produced. Third, experimental animals can be extensively phenotyped. Finally, experimental animals have a shorter lifespan and display the disease phenotype within a few years, unlike patients, who typically show a late age o f onset, making collection o f patients and their parents harder. The loci identified in the experimental animal models can be used as candidate genes in the genetic dissection o f hypertension in man.
