We report four novel findings: (1) OX1R expression within the PVN of DOCA-salt rats is elevated compared to controls; (2) Chronic viral knockdown of OX1R function within the PVN of DOCA-salt rats reduces PVN AVP mRNA and protein expression; (3) Chronic viral knockdown of PVN OX1R function results in an attenuated plasma AVP concentration; and (4) The development of hypertension is significantly attenuated in the DOCA-salt rat following PVN OX1R knockdown. The gene discussed is HCRTR1; the disease is Hypertension.