The present study was undertaken to investigate the linkage between angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and the release of amino acid neurotransmitters in the the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) by techniques of microinjection, microdialysis combined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fluorescent detection. Unilateral microinjection of Ang-(1-7) into the RVLM of anesthetized rats produced an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) accompanied by an increased release of glutamate (Glu). In contrast, microinjection of Ang779, a selective antagonist of Ang-(1-7) receptor, caused a decrease in MAP with a decreased release of Glu and an increased release of glycine, taurine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. The pressor effect of Ang-(1-7) and the depressor effect of Ang779 were in part blocked by corresponding antagonists of amino acid receptors. These results suggest that the pressor effect of Ang-(1-7) in the RVLM may be partially due to an increased release of Glu, whereas the depressor effect of Ang779 may be partially attributed to a decreased release of Glu and an increased release of inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters.