Precision modeling, empowering new drug research and development
As the East Wind brings thaw and spring ushers in a new chapter, everything is rejuvenated, and scientific research never stops. At the dawn of 2026, with science as our key, we unlock the core value of hypertension animal models, paving a solid path for new drug development and clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Hypertension, as one of the most common cardiovascular diseases globally, affects over 30% of the adult population and is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Given its complex pathogenesis and multi-factorial nature, the development of novel antihypertensive drugs has always been a hotspot in pharmaceutical research and development. In this process, stable, reliable, and clinically relevant animal models of hypertension serve as a crucial bridge for new drugs to transition from the laboratory to clinical practice.
Types of animal models for hypertension
An ideal animal model should be able to simulate the pathophysiological processes of human hypertension. Currently, models used for preclinical research mainly fall into three categories:Genetic/genomic models, surgery-induced models, and pharmacologic/environmental-induced models.
1. Hereditary/genetic engineering model: the gold standard for studying essential hypertension
This type of model spontaneously develops hypertension through gene selection or editing without artificial induction, making it highly suitable for studying the genetic mechanisms and long-term complications of hypertension.
Spontaneously hypertensive rats are the most widely used model. They are characterized by a gradual increase in blood pressure within a few weeks after birth, which stabilizes at a high level in adulthood, accompanied by end-organ damage such as myocardial hypertrophy and vascular remodeling, closely resembling the progression of human essential hypertension. However, due to the involvement of multiple gene regulations in its pathogenesis, more precise models may be required for the confirmatory studies of specific targets.
Dahlsalt-sensitive rats：This is a classic model for studying “salt-sensitive hypertension”. When given a high-salt diet (2%-8% NaCl), rats rapidly exhibit elevated blood pressure, accompanied by significant renal dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy, making it particularly suitable for studying the role of environmental (diet) interactions with genes in hypertension.
2. Surgical/pharmacological induction model: Simulating secondary hypertension caused by specific etiologies
This type of model artificially alters physiological states through surgical or pharmacological intervention, and is primarily used to verify the intervention effects of drugs on specific pathways (such as RAS, volume load).
2K1C renal artery stenosis model (Goldblatt hypertension model): a classic rodent model of renovascular hypertension.
In the history of hypertension research, the 2K1C (two kidneys, one clip) model holds a landmark significance. First established in dogs by Goldblatt in 1934, this model was later refined and widely applied to rats, becoming one of the most classic models for studying renal vascular hypertension and the activation mechanism of the RAS system.
Improved models – 2K2C and 1K1C:
✅ 2K2C（two kidneys and two clips）：Both renal arteries are narrowed, leading to more severe hypertension and faster onset of symptoms. However, the surgical trauma is significant and the mortality rate is higher.
✅ 1K1C（one kidney, one clip）：Narrowing one side of the renal artery while simultaneously removing the opposite kidney constitutes a volume-dependent hypertension model, which is salt-sensitive and exhibits RAS activation only in the early stage.
Canine renal artery stenosis model (Goldblatt model): the “gold standard” for large animal models
In translational medicine research, large animal models hold unique value due to their high similarity to humans in cardiovascular physiology, hemodynamics, and organ dimensions. The canine renal artery stenosis model serves as a classic large animal model for studying renal vascular hypertension, which refers to hypertension caused by renal artery stenosis.
DOCA-Salt-sensitive hypertension model
This model perfectly simulates low-renin, volume-dependent hypertension in clinical settings. Characterized by low plasma renin activity but excessive activation of mineralocorticoid receptors, this model often accompanies increased sympathetic nerve output in the central nervous system, making it highly suitable for evaluating diuretics, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and drugs targeting sympathetic nerve excitability.
L-NAME-induced hypertension model
L-NAME is a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Long-term administration (such as 4 weeks) inhibits the production of nitric oxide by vascular endothelium, leading to endothelial dysfunction and elevated blood pressure. This model is primarily used for studying endothelial function protectants and antioxidant drugs.
KCI•KMQ Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Platform
The KCI•KMQ Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Platform boasts a comprehensive animal model system. The platform has accumulated rich project experience and can meet diverse research needs. Currently, the company has established extensive long-term cooperation with many well-known pharmaceutical companies and research institutions both domestically and internationally, providing a solid foundation for the development of innovative drugs.
Case Study
01 Spontaneously hypertensive rats
02 Dahl salt-sensitive rats – hypertension model induced by high-salt diet
03 Renal artery stenosis-induced hypertension model
- Hypertension model induced by renal artery stenosis in rats
Beagle dog model of hypertension induced by renal artery stenosis
04 DOCA-induced rat hypertension model
DOCA induction for 3 weeks:
DOCA induction for 4 weeks
DOCA induction for 6 weeks:
05 L-NAME-induced rat hypertension model
Conclusion
Spring brings new life to everything, and research leads to greater horizons. In 2026, the KCI•KMQ hypertension animal model is evolving towards greater precision, humanization, and translational value, continuously providing solid support for the research and development of new antihypertensive drugs, mechanism exploration, and clinical diagnosis and treatment. With science as our sail and the model as our bridge, we will ultimately overcome the challenge of hypertension and safeguard the cardiovascular health of all people.
