[Physiology and pathophysiology of the vascular endothelin system: clinical implications].
The endothelium-derived 21 amino acid peptide endothelin-1 is one of the most potent vasoconstrictors. Endothelin-1 exerts its effects upon a variety of vascular and non-vascular cells through a direct interaction with specific receptors. Beyond its vasoconstrictive action on vascular smooth muscle cells endothelin-1 has mitogenic and pro-inflammatory properties. The present review deals with current experimental and clinical evidence for the involvement of endothelin-1 in several cardiovascular disorders with inflammatory components. We further discuss the potential clinical relevance of the endothelin system and therapeutical perspectives of anti-endothelin strategies in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Wagner
A
A
Kinderklinik der Bayerischen Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Würzburg.
Wieczorek
I
I
Plug
M
M
Kruse
H J
HJ
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000503:physiopathology; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000502:physiology*
D019332:Endothelin-1