Hypertension: Methods and Protocols

A collection of new and essential molecular techniques for cardiovascular research. These readily reproducible methods range widely from producing congenic, consomic, transgenic, and knockout models of hypertension to the gene transfer of specific genetic material using nonviral (polymers, liposomes, and antisense agents) and adenoviral vectors. Additional techniques described include single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, RNA interference, microarray analysis, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacogenomics for the genetic dissection of hypertension, as well as a practical method for deriving cardiomyocytes from embryonic stem cells that would serve as replacement cells for those damaged by hypertension or heart attack. The book offers both novice and experienced hypertension researchers an indispensable collection of readily reproducible techniques for successful research, work that has already dramatically improved the outlook for hypertensive patients, and promises much future success.