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Does endothelin-1 play a role in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm?
1Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. 55905.
Background:
Endothelin-1 is a very powerful endogenous vasoconstrictor substance produced by endothelial cells. Its long-lasting vasoconstrictor and hypertensive action has been well documented in several species, including humans.
Summary Of Review:
It is generally accepted that endothelin-1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of cardiovascular diseases. In the cerebral vasculature, endothelin-1 has been proposed as a key mediator of cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Availability of endothelin-1 antagonist provided a pharmacologic tool to test the role of endothelin in the development of vasospasm.
Conclusions:
This brief review is focused on the controversial results reported by different groups concerning the possible role of endothelin-1 in narrowing of cerebral arteries exposed to autologous blood.