[Physiological and pathophysiological role of endothelin-endothelin receptors system in cardiovascular system]

Since the discovery of a potent endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor peptide, termed endothelin (ET) in 1988, recent studies using molecular biology technique have revealed the existence of ET isopeptides (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3) and receptor subtypes (ETA, ETB). In cardiovascular system, ET family plays important roles not only in regulation of vascular tonus as a vasoconstrictor, but also in cardiovascular remodeling as a growth factor. Development and application of antagonists selective for ETA and ETB receptor and inhibitor of ET-converting enzyme should elucidate pathophysiological roles of ET family and its receptors in cardiovascular diseases.