11.07 Endothelin

Endothelin is a peptide mediators released from the endothelial cells that line the lumen of blood vessels. Release of endothelin is stimulated by hormones and also by mechanical factors, such as shear stress on the blood vessel lumen. Endothelin acts at GPCR denoted ET_A and ET_B. It is a potent vasoconstrictor and has mitogenic activities involved in the remodelling of the vasculature following injury or during the progression of atherosclerosis. The endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan is used in pulmonary hypertension.