Bar graphs compare the gene expression of NMDA receptor subunits NR1 (A), NR2A (C), NR2B (E), NR2C (G) and NR2D (I) in spinally-projecting RVLM neurons between sedentary and active rats measured by real-time qRT-PCR. Data presented as fold change ± S.D. Correlation was determined between the total running distance in active animals and fold change of NMDA receptor subunits NR1 (B), NR2A (D), NR2B (F), NR2C (H), and NR2D (J) in spinally-projecting RVLM neurons. Gene expression of NR2C showed a positive correlation trend towards the total running distance (p = 0.06) suggesting that physical activity could contribute to NR2C neuroplasticity in the RVLM.