Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a 21 amino acid peptide endowed with a powerful vasoconstrictor activity. The molecular structure and biological activities of endothelin were explored in several studies starting soon after its discovery in 1988, but only recently has the availability of specific ET-1 antagonists allowed its physiological activities to be explored. It is now becoming evident that circulating ET-1 plays a key role in the continuous adaptation of vessel wall tone, of both resistence and capacitance vessels. On the other hand, in addition to the ability to control blood flow, ET-1 synthesis is in turn controlled by blood flow itself, thus making the connection between ET-1 and peripheral circulation particularly close. This review will focus on recent knowledge about the physiological role of circulating endothelin-1.
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