Fig. 5.

Propionate causes a drop in BP in wild-type animals that is both reproducible (A) and dose dependent (B). In Olfr78^−/− mice, this response is accentuated at low propionate doses (C). In addition to Olfr78, SCFA receptors Gpr41 and Gpr43 are also expressed in the vasculature, as revealed by RT-PCR analysis of mRNA prepared from iliac arteries, renal arteries, and aortas of wild-type and Olfr78^−/− mice (D). In Gpr41^−/− mice, the response to propionate is blunted. Whereas 10 mM propionate produces a hypotensive effect in Gpr41^+/− mice, no such hypotensive effect is detected in the Gpr41^−/− mice (E). Treatment with orally administered antibiotics produced a marked reduction in microbial biomass in the gut (Figs. S4 and S5). This reduction was associated with significantly increased systolic (sys), diastolic (dias), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in Olfr78^−/− animals, but not in wild-type animals (F) (P < 0.04 vs. wild type). * indicates statistical significance.