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The Role of Endothelin in Heart Failure and Hypertension
Author(s) -
Nguyen B. Nhi T.,
Johnson Julie A.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1998.tb03893.x
Subject(s) - heart failure , endothelin receptor , cardiology , medicine , endothelin 1 , receptor
The endothelin family consists of three structurally similar isopeptides: ET‐1, ET‐2, and ET‐3. The two receptor subtypes, ET A and ET B , have‐different receptor affinities for the isopeptides. Stimulation of ET A and ET B receptors results in vasoconstriction, and ET B stimulation also causes vasodilation. These receptors may have profound impact on the etiologies of various diseases, including heart failure and hypertension. Studies with endothelin‐receptor antagonists in animals and humans with heart failure show promising short‐ and long‐term results. The place of the agents in the treatment of essential hypertension remains controversial, but they may have a greater role in hypertensive blacks and transplant recipients.