Endothelin-B (ET(B)) receptor distribution in tissues of the lizard Podarcis sicula.
Although the structural and pharmacological properties of endothelin (ET) receptors have been studied, little is known concerning their physiological significance, even if each subtype is supposed to have a distinct physiological action. Thus, to further elucidate the physiological function of this receptor, we examined the presence and distribution of the endothelin-B receptor (ET(B)) subtype in tissues of the lizard Podarcis sicula, using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Immunoblotting indicated that, although the ET(B) receptor appears to be ubiquitous, it is present at different levels in the tissues examined. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed that this receptor is very abundant in endothelial cells of all tissues, suggesting that there is an ET(B)-mediated autocrine system of endothelin, which plays an important role in the regulation of endothelial cell function. On the other hand, the presence of ET(B) immunoreactivity also in endocrine systems such as adrenal and thyroid glands suggests an involvement also in the paracrine system of these organs.
De Falco
Maria
M
Department of Evolutive and Comparative Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Laforgia
Vincenza
V
Fedele
Valentina
V
Russo
Tiziana
T
De Luca
Luca
L
Cottone
Giuliano
G
Varano
Lorenzo
L
De Luca
Antonio
A
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000166:cytology; D000818:Animals; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000166:cytology; D003238:Connective Tissue; D004064:Digestive System / Q000166:cytology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology; D008116:Lizards; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology; D044023:Receptor, Endothelin B; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin / Q000032:analysis*; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000166:cytology
D044023:Receptor, Endothelin B; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin