Antianxiety properties of the angiotensin II antagonist, DUP 753, in the rat using the elevated plus-maze.

The angiotensin II receptor antagonist, DUP 753 (Losartan), was compared with diazepam for antianxiety properties in the rat using the elevated plus-maze. Oral diazepam (5 mg kg-1) resulted in a significantly greater number of entries of rats into the open arms of the maze, an increase in time spent in the open arms and a decreased time spent in the closed arms. Oral doses of DUP 753 likewise resulted in significantly greater numbers of entries into the open arms (active at 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg kg-1), increased time spent on the open arms (active at 0.0001-0.01 mg kg-1) and a decreased time spent in the closed arms (active at 0.0001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg kg-1). Larger (1.0 mg kg-1) or smaller (0.00001 mg kg-1) doses of DUP 753 were not active.