Vascular activities of the endothelins.
The endothelins are a family of novel 21 amino-acid peptides and are the most potent vasoconstrictor substances yet discovered. The endothelins not only produce prolonged pressor responses in intact animals but they also constrict large and small arterial and venous vessels studied as isolated vascular preparations, influence autonomic transmission, exert positive inotropic effects on the heart and have been shown to be capable of releasing EDRF, prostanoids and atrial natriuretic factor. Release of endothelins occurs after de novo synthesis which may be stimulated by various agonists, fluid-flow and possibly hypoxia. The endothelins have been implicated in the pathophysiology of a variety of cardiovascular disorders but their precise role remains to be elucidated.
Randall
M D
MD
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, U.K.
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D016232:Endothelins / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism*; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects*
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D016232:Endothelins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin