Objective Angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ ) contributes to modulating blood pressure by stimulation of Ang Ⅱ AT1 receptors. We devised a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to assess whether oxidative damage is decreased after pretreatment with Angiotensin Ⅱ AT1 receptor blocker (ARB). Methods After 2 weeks pretreatment with ARB 0. 5 and 1 mg/kg, the male Wister rats were subjected to 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). At 24 h, the lumen diameter of middle cerebral artery, the plasma level of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and HIF-1 a levels were recorded and compared. Results After pretrcatment with ARB 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, blood pressure did not significantly change compared with that of controls. In the group of candesartan at 1 mg/(kg· day), the lumen diameter was significantly increased compared to that in control group [(86.0±5.0) μm vs. (69.0± 2.1) μm; P