Role of endothelins in animal models of hypertension: focus on cardiovascular protection.
Investigation of the regulation of vascular function by endothelium-derived factors has been a prominent topic of research in the field of hypertension during the last decade. Of the different endothelial factors, endothelins, which play an important role in vasodilatation-vasoconstriction balance, have been the subject of great interest and an impressive number of publications. This peptide, a very potent vasoconstrictor, triggers as well events involved in growth, proliferation, matrix production and local inflammation. In parallel, its role in hypertension has evolved from a simple vasoconstrictor to a central local regulator of vascular homeostasis contributing not only to the elevation of blood pressure, but also to the complications of hypertension. This review summarizes research on endothelins and its receptor antagonists in experimental hypertension, with special emphasis on vascular remodeling and target-organ protection.
Moreau
Pierre
P
Laboratory of Vascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada. Pierre.Moreau@umontreal.ca
Schiffrin
Ernesto L
EL
D000818:Animals; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D065128:Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; D016232:Endothelins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin / Q000502:physiology*
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D065128:Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; D016232:Endothelins; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin