The renoprotective potential of endothelin receptor antagonists.
The endothelin system has been identified as having a substantial role in renal failure, both acute and chronic. Beside its well characterised haemodynamic effects, its mitogenic and pro-fibrotic properties have gained increased interest in the pathophysiology of chronic renal failure. This review outlines the role of endothelin in the pathogenesis of various renal diseases with a special focus on the potential of blocking this system with endothelin receptor antagonists. So far, most data were derived from animal models, but they provide strong evidence that endothelin receptor antagonists may represent a powerful therapeutic strategy in ameliorating the course of acute and chronic renal failure.
Knoll
T
T
Department of Urology, University Hospital Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany Faculty of Clinical Medicine of the University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68135 Mannheim, Germany. tknoll@ix.urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Schaub
M
M
Birck
R
R
Braun
C
C
Juenemann
K P
KP
Rohmeiss
P
P
D000818:Animals; D065128:Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; D016232:Endothelins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
D065128:Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; D016232:Endothelins