Thus, the aims of the present study were to determine, in conscious rabbits (1) whether low level activation of the RAAS modeled by infusion of a low dose of Ang II for 12 weeks causes sustained activation of neurons in the PVN resulting in amplified sympathetic and pressor responses to stress, chemoreceptor activation and ultimately hypertension and (2) whether the process involves increased MR and/or AT1R activation in the PVN. The gene discussed is AGT; the disease is Hypertension.