Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of Candesartan on morphological change of the artery in atherosclerosis model rats. Methods Normal rats were fed with high lipid feedstuff to set up atherosclerosis rat model. Fifty rats were randomly divided into normal group, atherosclerosis model group, groups of low, medium and high dose of Candesartan. After 12 weeks, the arteries of the same place in rats of each group were determined and observed under light microscope and electron microscope. At the same time, we measured the intimal and medial thickness of vascular walls. Results Compared with normal group, morphological change of atherosclerosis in the arteries of model group had been observed. Compared with model group, morphological change of atherosclerosis which could be observed under microscope of the Candesartan group had decreased. In model group, compared with normal group, the intimal and medial thickness of vascular walls were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with model group, the intimal and medial thickness were significantly reduced(P<0.01). Conclusion Candesartan can influence the morphology of artery in atherosclerosis rats and reduce the hyperplasia in the intima and media of vascular walls.

Key words: Candesartan, atherosclerosis, morphology