Here we report that aplnr levels within the SFO of SHR were significantly higher compared with normotensive WKY rats, highlighting a potential association of SFO aplnr with hypertension in SHRs, while there was no significant difference in aplnr levels in OVLT or AP, or in apln levels in any of the CVOs, between the two rat strains. The gene discussed is APLN; the disease is Hypertension.