The current endothelin receptor classification: time for reconsideration?
The possible involvement of endothelins in a variety of diseases has attracted the attention of many pharmacologists in search of a novel therapeutic approach. The rapid development of endothelin research has resulted in the molecular characterization and pharmacological recognition of ETA and ETB receptors, and in the development of compounds selective for these receptors. However, the characterization of receptors in various assays has shown that a number of effects are mediated by receptors that do not fit the present criteria for ETA or ETB receptors. In this article, Willem Bax and Pramod Saxena address endothelin receptors in general, and atypical receptors in particular.
Bax
W A
WA
Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Research Institute COEUR, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Eramus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Saxena
P R
PR
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D065128:Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin / Q000819:agonists / Q000145:classification*; D015290:Second Messenger Systems; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects
D065128:Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin