[Endothelin--a cardiovascular regulatory peptide. II. Outline of its pathophysiologic activity]

Review article informs about the physiological and pathophysiological effects of the most potent vasoconstrictor agent endothelin (ET). This vasoactive polypeptide (21-aminoacid) has three izoforms (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3) and participates on regulation of the vascular tone and on remodelling of the vascular and myocardial wall. Article is focused on the effects of endothelins on the cardiovascular system, kidney and the central nervous system with respect to their expected role in the initiation and sustaining of disorders and diseases accompanied by the local and general vasconstriction. Findings concerning the role of endothelins in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, shock conditions, renal failure, and vasospasm following the subarachnoidhem orrage are discussed.