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Serum endothelin-1 concentrations and cold provocation in primary Raynaud's phenomenon
M R Zamora1, R F O'Brien, R B Rutherford
1Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver.
Lancet (London, England)
|November 10, 1990
Summary
Patients with Raynaud's phenomenon have higher levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoconstrictor. Cold exposure increased ET-1 levels more in these patients, correlating with prolonged vasospasm.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Raynaud's phenomenon involves exaggerated vasoconstriction.
- Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor.
- The role of ET-1 in Raynaud's phenomenon requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Raynaud's phenomenon and serum endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels.
- To examine the effect of cold pressor testing on ET-1 concentrations in Raynaud's patients.
- To correlate ET-1 levels with the severity of digital arterial vasospasm.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure serum ET-1 levels.
- Cold pressor testing was performed on 7 primary Raynaud's subjects and 7 controls.
- Digital arterial pulsatility was assessed using plethysmography during cooling.
Main Results:
- Baseline serum ET-1 levels were threefold higher in Raynaud's subjects compared to controls.
- Digital arterial pulsatility decreased earlier and more significantly in Raynaud's subjects upon cooling.
- Cold-induced increases in ET-1 concentrations were greater in Raynaud's patients and temporally related to vasospasm.
Conclusions:
- Elevated basal and stimulated ET-1 concentrations are associated with Raynaud's disease.
- Increased ET-1 contributes to the enhanced and prolonged vasospasm observed in Raynaud's phenomenon.
- ET-1 may be a significant factor in the pathophysiology of Raynaud's phenomenon.