REN and hypertensive disorder: Numerous independent studies have shown that administration of inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)2,3 or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)4 in the prehypertensive period results in a permanent reduction in SHR BP and increased lifespan.5 Our hypothesis is that the early RAS inhibition ‘reprogrammes’ the renal expression of genetic factors leading to hypertension in SHR.