Eyeing endothelins: a cellular perspective.
Endothelin is an endogenous vasoactive peptide that is considered among the most potent vasoconstrictor substances known. In addition to its vascular effects, endothelins and their receptors have been shown to be present in the eye and to have a number of ocular actions that may be important for ocular homeostasis, but, in excess can be a potential contributor to ocular neuropathy in glaucoma. The current review focuses on the cellular and molecular aspects of endothelins and its receptors in the eye with an emphasis on its relationship to ocular function and its potential role in the etiology of glaucoma pathophysiology.
Prasanna
Ganesh
G
Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
Narayan
Santosh
S
Krishnamoorthy
Raghu R
RR
Yorio
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D016232:Endothelins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005123:Eye / Q000378:metabolism*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin / Q000378:metabolism*; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000502:physiology
D016232:Endothelins; D017466:Receptors, Endothelin