Aim: to investigate whether renal sympathetic nerves play a role in the modulation of Ang II receptors expression in the central nuclei (RVLM, NTS and PVN) in renovascular hypertension. Methods and results: Denervation of clipped kidney (DnX: visible bundles were dissected + 10% phenol) was performed in ketamine and xylazine (40 and 20 mg/kg, respectively, i.p.)-anaesthetised Wistar male rats (n=5/group) 4-5 weeks after clip implantation (gap width: 0.2mm). Ten days after DnX, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced (15%) in the 2K-1C rats. AT1R was upregulated within the RVLM (76%) and PVN (70%) in the 2K-1C group, DnX normalized these expressions in both nuclei. AT2R expression was increased in the RVLM (57%) and PVN (60%) of 2K-1C group and DnX reduced AT2R in both regions. No change in both Ang II receptors expression was found within the NTS before or after DnX. DnX unchanged plasma renin activity in control and 2K-1C rats. In order to distinguish the effects of DnX from blood pressure reduction 2K-1C rats were treated orally with hydralazine (25 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days). Hydralazine significantly reduced MAP (26%) and AT1R within the PVN (30%) in the 2K-1C, however, unchanged AT1R or AT2R within the RVLM and NTS. Conclusions: the present data show that renal nerves may modulate Ang II receptors within the RVLM independently of blood pressure reduction or plasma renin activity in the 2K-1C model of arterial hypertension.