AIM: To determine the role of AT 1 receptor in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in mediating the blunted baroreceptor reflex in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Intravenous injections of graded doses of phenylephrine (1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/kg) increased the blood pressure to elicit the baroreceptor reflex in both SHR and normotensive Wistar rats anesthetized with urethane. The baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) was determined before and after microinjection of Ang Ⅱ, losartan, or AT1 receptor antisense oligodeoxynucleotides into the RVLM. AT1 receptor protein level in the RVLM was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: The BRS was significantly decreased in SHR compared with normal rats. Bilateral microinjection of AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (250 nmol/h) into the RVLM partly reversed the blunted BRS in SHR, but had no significant effect on the BRS in normal rats. Ang Ⅱ (1.5 nmol/h) significantly inhibited the BRS in normal rats, which was completely abolished by pretr AIM: To determine the role of AT 1 receptor in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in mediating the blunted baroreceptor reflex in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Intravenous injections of graded doses of phenylephrine (1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg / kg) increased the blood pressure to elicit the baroreceptor reflex in both SHR and normotensive Wistar rats anesthetized with urethane. The baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) was determined before and after microinjection of Ang Ⅱ, losartan, or AT1 receptor antisense oligodeoxynucleotides RESULTS: The BRS was significantly decreased in SHR compared with normal rats. Bilateral microinjection of AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (250 nmol / h) into the RVLM-found blunted BRS in SHR, but had no significant effect on the BRS in normal rats. Ang Ⅱ (1.5 nmol / h) significantly inhibited the BRS in normal rats, which was complete ly abolished by pretr