Resumo

BALTAZARES LIPP, Matilde et al. Endothelin system. Rev. Inst. Nal. Enf. Resp. Mex. [online]. 2005, vol.18, n.4, pp.308-320. ISSN 0187-7585.

The endothelins (ET_S) family consists of three 21 aminoacid isoforms: endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin-2 (ET-2) and endothelin-3 (ET-3). ET_S are very potent endogenous pressor agents, secreted by various cells and tissues in the human body. Of the three, endothelin-1 is the predominant isoform produced by the vascular endothelium. ET-1 induces vasoconstriction, is proinflammatory, profibrosis, and has mitogenic potential; it is also an important factor in the regulation of vascular tone and arterial vascular remodeling. These effects are mediated via two receptor types, ET_A and ET_B. ET_A receptor is located mainly on vascular smooth muscle and is responsible for mediating vasoconstriction and proliferation. The ET_B receptor is present predominantly on endothelial cells and mediates vasorelaxation for NO and prostacyclin release and also ET-1 clearance. The ET system is activated in essential hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary restenosis, heart failure, idiopathic cardiomyopathy and renal failure

Palavras-chave : Endothelins; endothelin receptor-A; endothelin receptor-B; endothelial cell; smooth muscle cell; endothelin-converting enzime; nitric oxide; mesenger RNA.