Endothelin-1: demonstration of potent effects on the microcirculation of humans and other species.
The effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on microvessels was investigated by use of intravital microscopy and by measuring microvascular blood flow changes. ET-1 caused a selective constriction of arterioles in the hamster cheek pouch, without affecting venules. A decrease in blood flow was observed at the site of intradermal injection of ET-1 in rabbit and human skin. ET-1, as a consequence of its vasoconstrictor activity, acted in an anti-inflammatory manner to inhibit edema formation and neutrophil accumulation induced by chemotactic agents in rabbit skin. In human skin, a flare, due to increased blood flow, spread for several centimeters around a central constricted area. The flare, the result of an axon reflex, reveals an alternative mechanism through which ET-1 can act to modulate vascular tone.
Brain
S D
SD
Section of Vascular Biology, MRC Clinical Research Centre, Middlesex, London, England.
Crossman
D C
DC
Buckley
T L
TL
Williams
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D016232:Endothelins; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007205:Indium Radioisotopes; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D013045:Species Specificity
D016232:Endothelins; D007205:Indium Radioisotopes; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D010455:Peptides