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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
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In Vivo Gene Transfer to the Rabbit Common Carotid Artery Endothelium
Published on: May 6, 2018
Endothelin: 20 years from discovery to therapy.
Matthias Barton1, Masashi Yanagisawa
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin, Departement für Innere Medizin, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland. barton@usz.ch
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|September 2, 2008
Summary
Endothelin-1 research has led to new treatments for pulmonary hypertension. Endothelin antagonists are now clinically available, offering new therapeutic options for various diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endothelin-1, identified in 1988, is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide derived from endothelial cells.
- Extensive research, exceeding 20,000 publications, highlights endothelin-1's significance in both basic and clinical medicine.
Observation:
- Gene sequences for endothelin receptors and antagonists were rapidly discovered shortly after the peptide's identification.
- Early clinical trials for endothelin antagonism faced challenges due to inadequate study designs and patient selection.
Findings:
- Despite initial setbacks, endothelin antagonist therapy is now established for conditions like pulmonary hypertension.
- Ongoing studies explore endothelin antagonism for renal disease, cancer, and other conditions.
Implications:
- Endothelin inhibitors represent a significant therapeutic advancement, offering new treatment strategies.
- Future applications may include resistant arterial hypertension, proteinuric renal disease, cancer, and connective tissue diseases.
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