Tasosartan

Tasosartan blocks the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) at the level of the AT1 receptor that mediates most, if not all, of the important actions of Ang II. Tasosartan binds reversibly to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. As angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor, which also stimulates the synthesis and release of aldosterone, blockage of its effects results in decreases in systemic vascular resistance. AT1 receptor antagonists avoid the nonspecificity of the Ang I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Antagonism of the AT1 receptor with tasosartan reduces blood pressure at rest and during submaximal exercise but not during maximal exercise. The reduced blood pressure was associated with a reduced total peripheral resistance during submaximal exercise but not at rest in the control condition while cardiac output was unaltered in either condition. Lastly, tasosartan did not impair working capacity as measured from peak workload and oxygen uptake.