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, 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 prone to high blood pressure, the types and amounts of bacteria in the mouth are affected by the rat's genetic makeup.

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