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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
12:03

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors

Published on: June 7, 2016

Use of Angiotensin receptor blockers in cardiovascular protection: current evidence and future directions

Mark A Munger1

  • 1Dr. Munger is Professor of Pharmacotherapy and Internal Medicine and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the College of Pharmacy of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah.

P & T : a Peer-Reviewed Journal for Formulary Management
|March 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) show varied vascular effects and outcomes, offering cardio-protection beyond blood pressure reduction. Further research is needed to differentiate ARBs for clinical use.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used for cardiovascular conditions.
  • Their pleiotropic effects beyond blood pressure lowering are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate ARBs based on vascular effects and outcomes in cardio-protective trials.
  • To explore the independent contribution of ARBs' pleiotropic effects to cardiovascular protection.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted MEDLINE searches (2003-2009) for RAAS blockade, ARBs, and cardio-protection terms.
  • Included clinical trials with cardiovascular endpoints and hypertension guidelines.
  • Identified ongoing trials via ClinicalTrials.gov.

Main Results:

  • ARBs exhibit distinct vascular protective pleiotropic effects and pharmacokinetic profiles.
  • These properties may contribute to reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality independently of BP lowering.
  • ARBs demonstrate efficacy in hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, post-MI, and heart failure.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging data support ARB effectiveness in various cardiovascular conditions.
  • The role of pleiotropic effects, independent of BP lowering, requires further investigation.
  • Comparative-effectiveness studies are essential to clinically differentiate ARBs; future ARBs may offer multifunctional benefits.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationcandesartancardioprotectioncardiovascular diseaseend-organ protectioneprosartanheart failurehigh blood pressurehypertensionirbesartanlosartanolmesartanrenin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)telmisartanvalsartanvascular protection

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