In this study we determined which angiotensin receptors may mediate the cardiovascular effects elicited by angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and caudal pressor area (CPA) of the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) of anesthetized rats. Furthermore the role of endogenous angiotensins in these areas was also investigated. The pressor effect produced by unilateral microinjection of Ang-(1-7) into the RVLM or CPA was not modified by either the AT1 receptor antagonist, DuP 753 or by the AT2 receptor antagonist, CGP 42112A, but was completely blocked by the Ang-(1-7) selective antagonist, A-779. In contrast, the pressor effect produced by microinjection of angiotensin II (Ang II) was completely blocked by DuP 753 but was not changed by CGP 42112A or A-779. Bilateral microinjection of A-779 into the RVLM or CPA produced a significant fall in mean arterial pressure and heart rate. Microinjection of DuP 753 produced a pressor effect comparable to bilateral injection of vehicle. These results indicate that, although Ang II acts in the VLM through an AT1 receptor subtype, the cardiovascular effects produced by microinjection of Ang-(1-7) into the RVLM and CPA are mediated by a specific angiotensin receptor (AT5?). Furthermore, our data provide evidence that endogenous Ang-(1-7) participates at the VLM in the neural control of arterial blood pressure.