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Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
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Endothelin and collagen vascular disease: a review with special reference to Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic

K Yamane1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tsukuba.

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor linked to vascular diseases. Elevated ET-1 levels in systemic sclerosis and Raynaud

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor involved in vascular regulation.
  • Elevated ET-1 levels are observed in various diseases with vascular involvement and endothelial cell activation.
  • Diseases implicated include systemic sclerosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, pulmonary hypertension, Buerger's disease, and Takayasu's arteritis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical significance and pathogenetic role of endothelin in collagen vascular diseases.
  • To focus on the role of ET-1 in Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic sclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent findings on endothelin in collagen vascular diseases.
  • Analysis of clinical and laboratory observations supporting vascular pathogenesis in systemic sclerosis.

Main Results:

  • Plasma ET-1 levels are elevated in patients with systemic sclerosis.
  • Higher ET-1 elevation is noted in diffuse scleroderma compared to limited scleroderma patients.
  • These findings support a vascular pathogenesis for systemic sclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating ET-1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of vascular and fibrotic lesions in collagen vascular diseases.
  • The elevated ET-1 levels in systemic sclerosis further support its vascular etiology.

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