Tachyphylaxis to the vasopressor effects of endothelin in rat aortic rings

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide released by endothelial cells, binds with high affinity to surface receptors and is highly resistant to dissociation. We observed tachyphylaxis to the pressor effects of a second application of ET-1 in rat aortic rings and investigated the mechanism of this effect. Developed tension increased progressively with doses of ET-1 ranging from 1 to 500 nM (P < 0.001), and tensions with rechallenge were correspondingly decreased (P < 0.001). In response to 500 nM ET-1, tension increased 1,599 +/- 72 (SE) mg/mg ring wt. Rechallenge with 500 nM ET-1 led to contraction of only 33 +/- 40 mg/mg ring wt. Tachyphylaxis was seen up to 6 h after initial challenge. Pretreatment with nicardipine, lidoflazine, nitroglycerin, and sphingosine did not affect tachyphylaxis. Pretreatment with 500 microM dansylcadaverine (an inhibitor of endothelin internalization) markedly inhibited ET-1-induced contraction and also inhibited tachyphylaxis to ET-1. Further studies with radiolabeled ET-1 suggested that subsequent ET-1 binding is markedly decreased after an initial ET-1 challenge. Dansylcadaverine inhibited ET-1 internalization and also inhibited the decreased binding seen with ET-1 rechallenge. Rat aortic rings demonstrate tachyphylaxis to the pressor effect of a second dose of ET-1. The mechanism appears to be related to binding and subsequent internalization of endothelin-receptor complexes. This effect suggests a possible mechanism for sustained decreases in systemic vascular resistance.