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Release of endothelin from cultured bovine endothelial cells
M R Prasad1, R M Jones, D L Kreutzer
1Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-9984.
Insights
Endothelin, a potent vasoconstrictor, is released during heart attacks. Its release is influenced by oxygen-derived free radicals and catecholamines during myocardial reperfusion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor affecting vascular smooth muscle and cardiac function.
- Elevated plasma endothelin in acute myocardial infarction suggests increased release during cardiac pathology.
- Myocardial reperfusion involves polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), oxygen-derived free radicals (OFR), and alpha 1-adrenergic receptor activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endothelin in cardiovascular pathophysiology.
- To explore the factors modulating endothelin release in ischemic heart conditions.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies on vascular smooth muscle.
- Analysis of plasma endothelin levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
- Investigation of cellular and receptor mechanisms in myocardial reperfusion.
Main Results:
- Endothelin demonstrates potent vasoconstrictive properties in vitro.
- Increased plasma endothelin levels correlate with acute myocardial infarction.
- Oxygen-derived free radicals and catecholamines are implicated in modulating endothelium-derived peptide release.
Conclusions:
- Endothelin plays a significant role in the mechanical function of the heart and vascular system.
- Pathophysiological conditions like myocardial infarction enhance endothelin release.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of endothelin modulation during cardiac events.
Abstract:
Recently discovered endothelin is a powerful vasoconstrictor of vascular smooth muscle in vitro, which also profoundly affects the mechanical function of the heart. An increased level of plasma endothelin in patients with acute myocardial infarction suggests the enhanced release of endothelin from vascular endothelium under pathophysiological conditions of the heart. The reperfusion of ischemic myocardium is associated with the activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) generating oxygen-derived free radicals (OFR), as well as, enhanced responsiveness of myocardial alpha 1-adrenergic receptor. Both OFR and catecholamines are implicated in the modulation of release of endothelium-derived peptides.