The role of endothelin in the vessel wall.
Endothelins (ETs) are a family of vasoactive peptides occurring in three isoforms (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3) encoded by three distinct genes in the human genome. ETs arise from precursor peptides (big-ETs) that are cleaved and released by an endothelin-converting enzyme. ET-1 secretion, which can be stimulated by various agents, is preferentially directed towards the abluminal site of endothelial cells, suggesting a local paracrine action of the peptide. ETs exert their actions through the activation of at least two receptor subtypes: ET-A receptors, which mediate the proliferative and vasoconstrictive effects, and ET-B receptors, which mediate vasorelaxation. Although, the potential roles of ETs are mostly hypothetical, considering their potent cardiovascular effects, it has been suggested that maintenance of a basal vascular tone and regulation of vascular growth and haemostasis may well represent the biological functions of this family of peptides. The recent discovery of specific receptor antagonists will provide a means to assess their physiological and pathophysiological roles.
Institut Henri Beaufour, Les Ulis, France.
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Chabrier
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D016232:Endothelins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D006487:Hemostasis; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D024510:Muscle Development; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin / Q000502:physiology; D014655:Vascular Resistance
D016232:Endothelins; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin