Edothelin-1 in human skin.
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) was originally identified as an endothelium-derived peptide with potent local constrictor and systemic pressor effects. Consequently it was implicated as a mediator in the control of systemic as well as peripheral vascular tone. The intense activity that followed the discovery of ET-1 has shown that endothelium is not the only site of synthesis nor is smooth muscle the sole target. ET-1 is capable of initiating and regulating an array of cellular responses including contraction, proliferation, synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and induction of proto-oncogene expression. This diversity of function is paralleled by an increasing number of mediators capable of inducing synthesis of ET-1 in an ever increasing array of cell types. ET-1 is also a neuropeptide; mRNA for ET-1 has been identified by in situ hybridization in human spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, and ET-1 was shown to modulate adrenergic neurotransmission at the neuro-effector junction. This review will highlight some of the recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating the synthesis of and cellular responses to ET-1 with particular reference to its potential role in the maintenance of cutaneous homeostasis and in the pathophysiology of cutaneous diseases.
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D000818:Animals; D016232:Endothelins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D014661:Vasoconstriction; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D016232:Endothelins; C000715470:MAS1 protein, human; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas