*4.1. Animal Cohort*

A transgenic rat model was used for simulation of a preeclamptic pregnancy. Female Sprague-Dawley rats harboring the human angiotensinogen gene [TGR(hAogen)L1623] were mated with male rats transgenic for the human renin gene [TGR(hRen)L10J] and developed the disease related phenotype during the last trimester of pregnancy. Age- and body weight-matched wild-type Sprague-Dawley rats constituted the control group. Both groups were housed in a temperature-controlled environment of 22 ± 2 ◦C, 12:12-hour light/dark cycle, and a humidity of 55 ± 15%. The animals had access to water and food (Sni ff V1324-300) ad libitum. Rats were sacrificed 28 days postpartum by decapitation with prior isoflurane anesthesia or due to predefined stopping. The study was approved by local authorities (G0273/16; State O ffice of Health and Social A ffairs Berlin).
