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[Plasma endothelin concentration during cold provocation in primary Raynaud's syndrome]
A von Bierbrauer1, K Ehlenz, P Herzog
1Abteilung Medizinische Poliklinik, Universität Marburg.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|June 23, 1995
Summary
Cold exposure increases endothelin levels in patients with primary Raynaud's syndrome. This suggests endothelin plays a role in the vasospasm characteristic of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Primary Raynaud's syndrome involves cold-induced vasospasm.
- The role of endothelin in Raynaud's pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma endothelin concentration changes in response to cold provocation in patients with suspected primary Raynaud's syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Measured plasma endothelin levels in both hands before and after unilateral cold exposure.
- Used strain-gauge plethysmography to confirm cold-induced vasospasm.
Main Results:
- Endothelin levels significantly increased on the cooled side in Raynaud's patients (P < 0.05).
- A transient increase in endothelin was also observed on the non-cooled side in Raynaud's patients.
- No significant endothelin changes occurred in control subjects.
Conclusions:
- Cold provocation induces endothelin release in primary Raynaud's syndrome.
- Endothelin likely contributes to the vasospasm observed in Raynaud's disease.
- Both local and reflex mechanisms may be involved in endothelin elevation.