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Circulating endothelin is not extracted by the pulmonary circulation in man
S G Ray1, J J McMurray, J J Morton
1Department of Cardiology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland.
Insights
This study found that endothelin is not extracted from plasma as it passes through the lungs. Pulmonary circulation does not significantly clear endothelin in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Pulmonary Circulation
- Endothelin Biology
Background:
- Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide with significant cardiovascular effects.
- The role of the pulmonary circulation in endothelin clearance is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the net extraction and clearance of endothelin during passage through the pulmonary circulation.
- To quantify endothelin levels in different parts of the pulmonary vasculature.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of endothelin concentration in blood samples from the pulmonary artery and left superior pulmonary vein.
- Study conducted in seven patients undergoing cardiac surgery, specifically coronary artery bypass grafting.
Main Results:
- Endothelin concentrations were consistently similar across all sampled sites within the pulmonary circulation.
- No significant difference was observed between endothelin levels in the pulmonary artery and the left superior pulmonary vein.
Conclusions:
- There is no net pulmonary extraction or clearance of endothelin in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
- The pulmonary circulation does not appear to play a significant role in removing endothelin from the plasma.
Abstract:
To determine whether endothelin is extracted from plasma during passage through the pulmonary circulation, we measured its concentration at several points, including the pulmonary artery and the left superior pulmonary vein in seven patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Endothelin concentrations were very similar at all sites sampled. In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, there is no net pulmonary clearance of endothelin.