Anxiolytic-like effect of losartan injected into amygdala of the acutely stressed rats

It has been recognized that the stress-related peptides are involved in anxiety states. Angiotensin II receptor blockade by systemic administration of the AT1 receptor antagonists has been proposed as a new treatment possibility for anxiety disorders. For better understanding of the related mechanisms, in this study we evaluated effects of bilateral intraamygdaloid injections of 2 (LOS 2) and 4 (LOS 4)μg of losartan (LOS), a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, on the behavior of the not stressed and acutely stressed rats in an elevated “plus” maze. Under non-stress conditions, LOS 4 increased time spent in the open arms (p