Role of endogenous endothelin on coronary flow in health and disease.
The role of the endothelium in the control of coronary flow has been demonstrated. Results of recent studies, both on animals and on humans, suggest that endogenous endothelin also plays an important role in basal coronary tone. Disease processes such as ischaemia-reperfusion injury, congestive heart failure, hypertension and atherosclerosis may be contributed to by an imbalance in, or excess of, release of endothelin. With the discovery of newer endothelin antagonists and endothelin converting enzyme inhibitors, especially with fewer hepatic side effects, there is the potential for much future research into novel therapeutic management of these common cardiovascular disorders.
Goodwin
A T
AT
Department of Cardiac Surgery, Papworth Hospital NHS Trust, Papworth Everard, Cambridge, UK. GoodwinAT@hotmail.com
Yacoub
M H
MH
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D016232:Endothelins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051381:Rats
D016232:Endothelins