In rats prone to high blood pressure, the amount of Cyanobacteria bacteria on the skin is linked to blood pressure levels, but this connection is different for male and female rats.

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.

In rats prone to high blood pressure, the types and amounts of bacteria on the skin are affected by the rat's genetic makeup, but this effect is different for male and female rats.

Cyanobacteria on the skin might help regulate sodium levels and blood pressure through special transporters that move sodium and chloride.