Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
06:35

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test

Published on: April 27, 2016

Role of endogenous endothelin on coronary flow in health and disease

A T Goodwin1, M H Yacoub

  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Papworth Hospital NHS Trust, Papworth Everard, Cambridge, UK. GoodwinAT@hotmail.com

Coronary Artery Disease
|November 7, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Endogenous endothelin contributes to coronary blood flow regulation. Imbalances in endothelin may worsen cardiovascular diseases, but new therapies offer future research potential.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Endothelial Function
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The endothelium's role in regulating coronary blood flow is established.
  • Emerging evidence highlights endogenous endothelin's significance in maintaining basal coronary tone.
  • Dysregulation of endothelin is implicated in various cardiovascular pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of endogenous endothelin in coronary blood flow.
  • To discuss the contribution of endothelin imbalance to cardiovascular diseases.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of novel endothelin antagonists and inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent animal and human studies.
  • Analysis of the pathophysiological implications of endothelin dysregulation.
  • Examination of emerging pharmacological interventions.

Main Results:

  • Endogenous endothelin is a key factor in basal coronary tone.
  • Imbalances in endothelin release are linked to ischaemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
  • New endothelin antagonists and converting enzyme inhibitors show promise.

Conclusions:

  • Endothelin plays a critical role in cardiovascular homeostasis.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting endothelin pathways represent a promising avenue for managing cardiovascular disorders.
  • Further research into novel endothelin-modulating agents is warranted.

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