Our finding that the central inhibition of MAPK-JNK (SP 600125), but not MAPK-ERK (PD98059), counteracted the depressant action of IB-MECA on the baroreflex facilitatory effect of nicotine and restored baroreflex function to near-physiologic levels suggests a differential contribution of the two MAPK isoforms to the baroreflex nicotine/IB-MECA interaction in sepsis. The gene discussed is MAPK8; the disease is Sepsis.