The hormonal effects associated with a high-fat diet in rats, namely elevated vasopressin as well as activation of the renin–angiotensin system, leading to elevated aldosterone levels may both be involved in the development of hypertension in these animals.26-28 Vasopressin, the anti-diuretic hormone leads to water retention and therefore the development of high blood pressure. This evidence concerns the gene REN and Hypertension.