In rats, a specific part of the genome (RNO10) controls the amount of Actinobacteria bacteria in the mouth, and this is linked to blood pressure levels.

In rats that are prone to high blood pressure, having more of a certain type of bacteria (Actinobacteria) in the mouth is linked to lower blood pressure.

In rats with different genetic modifications that affect blood pressure, the types and amounts of bacteria in the mouth differ between these strains.

In female rats, a specific part of the genome (RNO5) is linked to the amount of Cyanobacteria bacteria on the skin, and this is connected to blood pressure levels.