The hypothalamic expression of Bax and the association of APAF1 with caspase-9 (Fig. 4A), both commonly involved in intracellular apoptosis routes, and the association of FADD with caspase-8 (Fig. 4A), commonly involved in the induction of apoptosis by the extracellular route were increased in the hypothalamus of HF rats. The gene discussed is CASP9; the disease is hydrops fetalis.