Does inhibition of angiotensin function cause neuroprotection in diffuse traumatic brain injury?

OBJECTIVE(S): Neuroprotection is created following the inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). Therefore, the purpose of this research was examining AT1R blockage by candesartan in diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were assigned into sham, TBI, vehicle, and candesartan groups. Candesartan (0.3 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered IP, 30 min post-TBI. Brain water and Evans blue contents were determined, 24 and 5 hr after TBI, respectively. Intracranial pressure (ICP) and neurologic outcome were evaluated at -1, 1, 4 and 24 hr after TBI. Oxidant index [malondialdehyde (MDA)] was determined 24 hr after TBI. RESULTS: Brain water and Evans blue contents, and MDA and ICP levels increased in TBI and vehicle groups in comparison with the sham group. Candesartan attenuated the TBI-induced brain water and Evans blue contents, and ICP and MDA enhancement. The neurologic score enhanced following candesartan administration, 24 hr after TBI. CONCLUSION: The blockage of AT1R may be neuroprotective by decreasing ICP associated with the reduction of lipid peroxidation, brain edema, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, which led to the improvement of neurologic outcome.