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Endothelin: a potent vasoconstrictor associated with coronary vasospasm
H Kurihara1, K Yamaoki, R Nagai
1Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Life Sciences
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Endothelin causes significant coronary artery constriction, leading to myocardial ischemia in dogs. This effect is reversed by nitroglycerin and blocked by calcium channel blockers, suggesting endothelin
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells.
- Endothelin's role in coronary artery function and vasospasm is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of endothelin on coronary blood flow and myocardial ischemia in vivo.
- To determine the potential role of endothelin in the pathogenesis of coronary vasospasm.
Main Methods:
- Endothelin was administered into the coronary arteries of anesthetized dogs.
- Coronary blood flow was measured, and electrocardiography was used to assess myocardial ischemia.
- Coronary angiography was performed to visualize blood flow in coronary arteries.
- The effects of nitroglycerin and the calcium channel antagonist nitrendipine were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Endothelin caused a profound and long-lasting reduction in coronary blood flow.
- Electrocardiographical evidence of myocardial ischemia was observed.
- Coronary angiography showed delayed filling and cessation of blood flow in distal branches.
- Nitroglycerin reversed the endothelin-induced vasoconstriction.
- Nitrendipine pretreatment suppressed endothelin-induced vasoconstriction.
Conclusions:
- Endothelin induces significant coronary vasoconstriction and myocardial ischemia.
- These findings support the hypothesis that endothelin contributes to coronary vasospasm.
- Endothelin may be a significant factor in the development of ischemic heart disease.