A possible mediator role for endothelin-1 in respiratory disease

Endothelin (ET)-1 is an endogenous endothelium-derived peptide, long recognized as a potent vascular smooth muscle spasmogen and mitogen. Strong links have been made between these and other actions of ET-1 and vascular diseases including pulmonary hypertension. Importantly, it is also now established that ET-1 is synthesized in the airway epithelium and that it has a range of effects in the respiratory tract which suggest a significant mediator role in asthma. These actions include airway smooth muscle contraction, bronchoconstriction and proliferation, potentiation of cholinergic neuronal function, mucus hypersecretion of pro-inflammatory activities including the promotion of airway microvascular leakage and oedema. The following is a brief review of the actions of endothelin-1 that suggest a link between endothelin-1 and obstructive airway diseases such as asthma.