Endothelin-1 and endothelin receptor mRNA expression in normal and atherosclerotic human arteries.
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide implicated in a number of human diseases including atherosclerosis. ET-1 binds to two distinct G protein-coupled receptors, known as the ETA and ETB receptor subtypes. In this study, we have examined ET-1, ETA and ETB mRNA expression levels in human vascular cells cultured in vitro and in normal and atherosclerotic human arteries. The results indicate that (a) ET-1 mRNA is constitutively expressed by endothelial cells but not by smooth muscle cells, (b) endothelial cells express only ETB mRNA but smooth muscle cells co-express ETA and ETB mRNA, and (c) in comparison to normal aorta, ET-1 mRNA expression is elevated and endothelin receptor mRNA expression is repressed in atherosclerotic lesions.
Winkles
J A
JA
Department of Molecular Biology, Holland Laboratory, American Red Cross, Rockville, MD 20855.
Alberts
G F
GF
Brogi
E
E
Libby
P
P
D001158:Arteries / Q000378:metabolism*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000235:genetics*; D001483:Base Sequence; D016232:Endothelins / Q000235:genetics*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin / Q000235:genetics*
D016232:Endothelins; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin