title: Endothelin has potent inotropic effects in rat atria.
abstract: Endothelin, a novel peptide recently isolated from aortic endothelial cells, is one of the most active vasoconstrictors yet characterized. We report that endothelin is also a very potent inotropic substance, as demonstrated in isolated rat heart atria. The effects were observed at nanomolar concentrations and appeared to be due to a direct action of the peptide on the heart muscle cells. Thus, endothelin is not only a powerful vasoconstrictor but also has potent contractile effects on cardiac myocytes.
authors.affiliation: German Institute for High Blood Pressure Research, University of Heidelberg, F.R.G.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Von Harsdorf
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Lang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001285:Atropine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D016232:Endothelins; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects*; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000187:drug effects; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010656:Phenylephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D016232:Endothelins; D010455:Peptides; D010656:Phenylephrine; D001285:Atropine; D011433:Propranolol; D007545:Isoproterenol