Anxiolytic activity of Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker in Experimental Models of Anxiety in Mice

The present study aimed to explore the role of angiotensinReceptor-Blocker in the management of anxiety. Male Swiss albino mice of age 6-8 weeks and weight 25-30 g were used in the present study. Candesartan (angiotensin receptor blocker) was administered in two doses (1 and 2 mg/kg; i.p.) to mice for 14 successive days regularly. anxiety was induced in mice by two different methods: (i) exposing the mice to immobilization stress for a period of 6 h daily for 7 consecutive days; (ii) administration of caffeine (25 mg/kg; i.p.) daily for 7 days. elevated Zero Maze and Open Field apparatus were used to evaluate the level of anxiety in different groups. after behavioral evaluation, the animals were sacrificed and their brains were used for estimation TBaRS, GSh and Nitrite levels in the brain. administration of Candesartan (1 and 2 mg/kg; i.p) for 14 successive days significantly (p<0.05) reduced anxiety due to immobilization stress and caffeine induced anxiety. Candesartan (1and 2 mg/kg; i.p) treated mice showed an increase (p<0.05) in GSh levels while a decrease (p<0.05) in TBaRS and nitrite levels in brain. Thus, candesartan may prove to be a useful remedy for the management of anxiety owing to its neuroprotective and antioxidant activity.