[The pharmacology of endothelin and its antagonist bosentan]

Endothelin is one of the most potent vasoconstrictors known, but it also plays a role in inflammation, fibrosis and cellular hypertrophy. Endothelin is a key pathogenic factor in congestive heart failure, essential hypertension and pulmonary hypertension. Bosentan is a specific mixed antagonist of endothelin receptors. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that bosentan might become a new approach for the chronic treatment of these cadiovascular and pulmonary diseases.