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Increased tissue endothelin immunoreactivity in atherosclerotic lesions associated with acute coronary syndromes

A M Zeiher1, C Ihling, K Pistorius

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Freiburg, Germany.

Lancet (London, England)
|November 19, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Endothelin-1, a vasoconstrictor, was found in coronary atherosclerotic lesions, especially in patients with severe angina. This suggests endothelin-1 may contribute to coronary vasoconstriction in acute coronary syndromes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) involve excessive coronary vasoconstriction.
  • Thrombin can stimulate the production of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and localization of endothelin-1 in coronary atherosclerotic lesions.
  • To explore the potential role of endothelin-1 in the exaggerated vasoconstriction seen in ACS.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was performed on coronary atherosclerotic specimens from 30 patients.
  • Prussian-blue staining was used to detect signs of intraplaque hemorrhage.

Main Results:

  • Endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity was detected in 55% of stable angina lesions, 86% of crescendo angina lesions, and 100% of angina at rest lesions.
  • Immunoreactivity for endothelin-1 was frequently observed in areas with evidence of previous intraplaque hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

  • Endothelin-1 is present in coronary atherosclerotic lesions.
  • Tissue endothelin-1 may play a role in the exaggerated coronary vasoconstriction associated with acute coronary syndromes, particularly in the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage.

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