Angiotensin II Peptide Vaccine Protects Ischemic Brain Through Reducing Oxidative Stress

Background and Purpose—Medication nonadherence is one of major risk factors for the poor outcome in ischemic stroke. Vaccination is expected to solve such a problem because of its long-lasting effects, but its effect on ischemic brain damage is still unknown. Here, we focused on vaccination for renin–angiotensin system and examined the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) peptide vaccine in permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model in rats. Methods—Male Wistar rats were exposed to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion after 3× injections of Ang II peptide vaccine, and the serum or brain level of anti–Ang II antibody was examined. The effects of the vaccine were evaluated by differences in infarction volume, brain renin–angiotensin system components, and markers for neurodegeneration and oxidative stress. Results—Ang II vaccination successfully produced anti–Ang II antibodies in serum without concomitant change in blood pressure. Sufficient production of serum anti–Ang II antibody led to reductio...