Protective effect of candesartan in experimental ischemic stroke in the rat mediated by AT2 and AT4 receptors.

Objectives: The contribution of the AT2 and AT4 angiotensin receptors to the protective role of the AT1 receptor blocker candesartan in acute ischemic stroke was investigated.

Methods: Embolic stroke was induced by injection of calibrated microspheres (50 microm) in the right internal carotid in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Results: Inhibition of production of endogenous angiotensins by pretreatment for 24 h with lisinopril significantly increased mortality and infarct volume, whereas candesartan for 24 h reduced blood pressure to the same extent but had no deleterious effect.