Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker candesartan prevents the fast up-regulation of cerebrocortical benzodiazepine-1 receptors induced by acute inflammatory and restraint stress

► Acute stress promptly increases benzodiazepine-1 receptors in cerebral cortex. ► Candesartan prevents GABAA receptor plasticity during stress. ► Candesartan prevents cortical CRF2 gene expression during stress. ► Angiotensin II AT1 receptors regulate stress and anxiety. ► Candesartan decreases anxiety.