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Endogenous insulin modulates circulating endothelin-1 concentrations in humans
C Ferri1, C Bellini, G Desideri
1University La Sapienza Institute of I Clinica Medica, Andrea Cesalpino Foundation, Rome, Italy.
Diabetes Care
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Oral glucose loading significantly increases endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals. Post-glucose ET-1 levels were notably higher in hypertensive subjects, suggesting a link to insulin response.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor with implications in cardiovascular disease.
- The impact of acute glucose challenges on ET-1 levels, particularly in relation to hypertension, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of oral glucose loading on plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations in humans.
- To compare ET-1 responses to glucose in individuals with essential hypertension versus normotensive controls.
Main Methods:
- A controlled oral glucose tolerance test (75 g D-glucose) was administered to 14 hypertensive and 8 normotensive subjects.
- Plasma ET-1 and insulin levels were serially measured over 240 minutes post-glucose administration.
Main Results:
- Oral glucose loading induced a significant increase in circulating ET-1 levels in both hypertensive and normotensive groups.
- Hypertensive subjects exhibited a more pronounced insulin response to glucose compared to normotensive subjects.
- Post-glucose ET-1 levels were significantly higher in hypertensive individuals than in normotensive controls at key time points.
Conclusions:
- Oral glucose loading triggers significant alterations in circulating ET-1 levels.
- The observed increase in ET-1 is likely mediated by glucose-induced elevations in endogenous insulin.
- These findings suggest a potential role for ET-1 in the pathophysiology of hypertension, possibly influenced by glucose metabolism.