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Related Experiment Videos

Endothelin-converting enzyme activity in human cerebral circulation.

Hartmut Vatter1, Kay Mursch, Michael Zimmermann

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany. hvatter@arcor.de

Neurosurgery
|August 17, 2002
PubMed
Summary

This study found functional endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) activity and ECE-1alpha in human cerebral arteries, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for conditions like cerebral vasospasm.

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Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Elevated endothelin (ET)-1 contributes to increased cerebrovascular resistance, particularly in post-subarachnoid hemorrhage vasospasm.
  • Targeting ET synthesis or receptor blockade is a potential therapeutic strategy for cerebral vasospasm.
  • While ET-1 receptors are known, data on functionally relevant ET-converting enzyme (ECE) activity in human cerebral vasculature is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and function of ET-converting enzyme (ECE) activity in human cerebral arteries.
  • To characterize the role of ECE-1alpha in human cerebral vasospasm.
  • To explore potential therapeutic interventions for cerebral vasospasm by targeting ET synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • ECE activity was assessed in human pial arteries using organ bath studies.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Concentration-effect curves for ET-1 and its precursor, big ET-1, were compared to determine ECE activity.
  • Immunoreactivity for ECE-1alpha was examined in human cerebral tissue.

    • Main Results:

    • ECE-1alpha immunoreactivity was detected, though inconsistently, in the endothelium of human cerebral arteries.
    • ET-1 and big ET-1 induced concentration-dependent contractions in isolated pial arterial segments.
    • A significant inhibition of big ET-1-induced contraction was observed with phosphoramidon, indicating ECE activity.

    Conclusions:

    • Functional ECE activity and ECE-1alpha immunoreactivity are present in human cerebral arteries.
    • The findings suggest the existence of ECE-like activity distinct from ECE-1alpha.
    • These results support ECE as a potential therapeutic target for cerebral vasospasm.