A possible mediator role for endothelin-1 in respiratory disease.
Endothelin (ET)-1 is an endogenous endothelium-derived peptide, long recognized as a potent vascular smooth muscle spasmogen and mitogen. Strong links have been made between these and other actions of ET-1 and vascular diseases including pulmonary hypertension. Importantly, it is also now established that ET-1 is synthesized in the airway epithelium and that it has a range of effects in the respiratory tract which suggest a significant mediator role in asthma. These actions include airway smooth muscle contraction, bronchoconstriction and proliferation, potentiation of cholinergic neuronal function, mucus hypersecretion of pro-inflammatory activities including the promotion of airway microvascular leakage and oedema. The following is a brief review of the actions of endothelin-1 that suggest a link between endothelin-1 and obstructive airway diseases such as asthma.
Goldie
R G
RG
Dept of Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.
Fernandes
L B
LB
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000502:physiology*; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*
D019332:Endothelin-1; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents